SECONDS DEFEAT CREW A IN CLOSE HANDICAP RACE

In a driving rain, and against a head-on wind, Coach Stevens sent his first crew over the regular course yesterday afternoon against the Second University eight and Coach Newell's first two 150 crews.

Starting three lengths behind the other crews, Captain Henry's eight soon narrowed the lead, and at the mile mark, where the 150-pound eights dropped out, the second eight led only by a length. Coming, into the final stretch, the first boat gained perceptibly, but Canning raised the stroke, and maintained a lead of half a length as his shell crossed the finish line.

Coach Stevens would not comment on the showing of the crews yesterday, saying that the weather conditions worked against the possibility of either eight making a good showing. But for the fact that Hubbard caught a crab at the mile mark, where the crew lost many valuable moments, the first eight undoubtedly would have triumphed. Hubbard's outrigger was badly bent, and during the balance of the race he had difficulty in keeping from digging too deep.

Merrill's Eight Wins

The 150-pound eight stroked by Dudley Merrill '26 by finishing a length ahead of the other 150-pound crew, won the right to represent the University Saturday in the 150-pound race against Pennsylvania and Technology. This eight, which Coach Newell calls his A crew, made an excellent showing yesterday, leading both of the University crews by over a length at the finish of the mile course.

The Pennsylvania crews arrived at Newell boathouse about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and as soon as their shells were rigged, left for the Basin. Being accustomed to the placid waters of the Schulykill, they had an excellent chance to become acclimated to conditions on the Charles yesterday, for heavy rain and a wind-swept basin greeted the Red and 'Blue oarsmen. The workout of the Penn crews was comparatively short, consisting merely of rowing the course.

Quaker 150's Delayed

The 150-pound Quaker eight did not get their shell rigged until considerably after the first two Red and Blue crews had left the boathouse, but their practice consisted of a time trial over the Henley distance.

The two Columbia crews had their initial workout yesterday morning, rowing down to Harvard Bridge and back. In the afternoon they rowed the one and three quarter mile course to the Subway Bridge. Coach Miller took his two contains over the course in a launch after the morning pull.

Both of the visiting crews are staying at the Hotel Lenox. Morning and afternoon workouts will probably be the program for today, in preparation for the contest tomorrow.