Hard hit by the loss of Pete Roll, ace oarsman, the Crimson eight succumbed Tech and Cornell in the second race the 1945 racing season on the Charles River last Saturday. A strong cross current which threw the Crimson off a eight course, was also a major factor the defeat.

The loss of Roll, while severe in itself, was not the hardest blow to the Crimson, Polhemus, rowing in his place, turned a creditable performance. It was, however, the disruption of the crew of eight that had worked together since restart of the season and had perfected smooth style, that emphasized Roll's absence.

Though at the start of the race it speared as if the Varsity would repeat its strong performance of the previous Saturday, the crowds along the river bank and on the two river bridges were doomed to disappointment. Breaking bell, the eight won and held the lead for three eighths of a mile, but fell behind at the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, never to be in the race again. The last mile and three-eights were all Tech and Cornell.

Between Massachusetts Avenue and the Longfellow Bridge, the crew steadily lost ground, ending the race a good length behind Cornell, and one and a half lengths behind victorious Tech. The Harvard boat's drift off course was instrumental in determining the winner.

Much of the credit for the surprisingly fine showing of the Techmen, who finished behind the Crimson and Navy last week has been given to the new M.I.T. cox, 129 pound heavyweight Martin L. Jay. His able steering of his boat undoubtedly was a major factor in Tech's win.

In the other races, the Crimson Jayvee came in third to the Cornell and Tech boats, and the Crimson thirds came in second to the Tech fourths.

The boatings:

Cornell C. Keck, stroke; J. P. Wiles, D. R. Pierce, 6; W. F. Hale, 5; E. C. Duval 4; R. J. Miller, 3; P. R. McCormack, 2; W. Packard, bow; A. Brede, cox, Harvard; T. S. Ross, stroke; H. C. Grant 7; H. F. Weber, 6; R. B. Perkins. 5; R. W. Macnamara, 4; T. A. Haymond, 3; J. P. Kettelle, Jr., 2, C. R. Polhemus, how; D. P. S. Paul, cox.

Tech: H. Thorkilson, stroke; J. B. Hoaglund, 7; F. N. Kurriss, 6; J. E. Taft, 5; C. F. Street, 4; W. J. Rapoport, 3; T. P. Heuchling, 2; S. Edgerly, Jr., bow M. L. Ray, cox.

The Harvard second and third boatings:

Jayvee: C. A. Shaw, stroke; G. Might, 7; H. N. Stewart, Jr., 6; T. R. Morse, Jr., 5; W. L. Saltonstall, 4; L. H. Clark, 3; H. C. Seigert, 2; R. S. West, bow; D. S. Foster, cox.

Thirds: R. A. Pellaton, Jr., stroke; G. H. Leland, 7; R. G. Warren, 6; K. E. Crook, 5; W. Maier, 4; H. P. Hall, 3; J. T. Rich, 2; W. M. Pickles, bow; C. Lipton, cox