As Harvard crews tapered off practice and Eli oarsmen rounded out training in preparation for the classic four-mile race at New London on Friday, two undefeated eights, rated the most powerful in College rowing, await the crucial test with neither a ranking favorite.

When Captain Spike Chace's swingers settled down to a smooth and normal pace last week, Yale had startled all observers with flashy time trials and its steady keel, evening up the betting odds that so far had stood for Harvard.

Crimson crews started off practice from their Rep Top quarters on June 11 with a time trial, the Freshman pacing the Varsity for the first two miles. The following Monday Coach Bolles put the Crimson sweepers through a vigorous workout, a five-mile no-stop, stretch which found the Varsity a bit unsteady and rough in spots.

Light practices during the remainder of the week failed to bring the Chace stroked outfit into top form, while the Eli boat stationed at Gayle's Ferry was pacing through its trials in it foest form of the season. By week's end both eights had found their stride.

Meanwhile Harvey Love's championship Freshman boat was improving every day and rated a sure winning berth over their Blue opponents. Undefeated so far, the Yardlings are the only oarsmen who have come within a half-length of the Varsity this season.

The Jayvees, however face the most difficult encounter of the year. Out-rowed by Navy and Syracuse, stroke Bill Rowe's crew meets a powerful Eli outfit which is almost as good as the Yale Varsity. The Crimson eight has been noticeably ragged in its workouts at Red Top.

A strong combination crew; somewhat rearranged a while ago when Jack Wilson replaced Barr Comstock at Stroke, has shaped up quickly and has a better-than-even chance of overpowering the Elis.