Veterans remember spine-shivering haka at end of race

A SHIVER runs down the spines of Bundaberg rowing veterans when they think of the haka their cox used during the closing stages of a gruelling race.

VICTORIOUS DUO: Mick Perry and Allan Zunker spent thousands of hours on the water. Picture: Ontributed

A SHIVER runs down the spines of Bundaberg rowing veterans Mick Perry and Allan Zunker when they think of the haka their cox used during the closing stages of a gruelling race.

And in a week the pair can relive their memories with more mates at the 125th anniversary of the club.

From the back of the boat nine words would be delivered with force and the rowers would respond.

Half, half, three quarter full...easy oar, let her run.

When Perry and Zunker repeated those words, memories flooded back that included countless races during the peak of Bundaberg rowing.

Perry said his emotions were bubbling.

"It was great hearing those words - I just got goosebumps," Perry said.

"I think I've got a tear in my eye."

STATE’S BEST: Bundaberg Rowing Club’s crew of, back, W Lourigan (3), A Hassam (5), R Clemence (cox), C Tobin (7), L Lister (bow); seated R Howard (stroke), W Moller (coach), B Sorrensen (6); on floor H Zunker (2) A Zunker (4); absent C Roebuck (emergency). Picture: Contributed

Amongst the scores of people who will be at the Rowers Club in a week Zunker will be one of the first in line to get through the door. But he explained his association, and his family's, with the sport came by chance.

"My uncle, Arthur Zunker, was walking home one day in the 1920s and he saw a flyer in the long grass for the rowing club," Zunker said.

"And we have been involved since."

And what an involvement and contribution the Zunker name made to the sport. Herbert Zunker was part of the all-Bundaberg crew that won the King's Cup on the Derwent River in 1927.

Arthur joined Herbert to win the Queensland championship and King's Cup in 1935, just before the family's name was etched into Bundaberg rowing folklore.

When the younger members gather with the veterans at the anniversary celebration, tales of past glory and promises of future success guarantees Perry and Zunker's emotions will be copied as the club heads into its next 125 years.