Neptune's powerhouse Albert Maher added to his growing reputation as a sculler on Saturday by becoming the first heavyweight in eight years to win the opening round of the Guinness Dublin sculling ladder.

Maher's recent conversion to the two blades has already netted several national titles and despite tangling with weeds, the 24-yearold battled through the Islandbridge wind and rain for a combined time of 6.27 minutes after two runs.

Defeated world bronze medallist, Emmet O'Brien, nevertheless helped Commercial resume their hold on the team Casey Cup after a year's break. Clubmate Owen Byrne finished fourth - a fraction of a second ahead of his senior international, brother Neal and one of 15 sub-seven minute performances from the 98 strong field. Mary Hussey won the women's trophy.