SCULLING

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2568, 16 September 1915, Page 9

SCULLING

THE WEBB-HANNAN RACE. The Webb-Hamian sculling race for the championship of New Zealand and £200 a side is creating considerable interest in Wanganui, and there is sure to be a big-"bank" to witness the' evient, which takes' place on Friday week on tho Wanganui River.' Tile peculiar interest in tho event lies in the fact that it will bo rowed between William Webb, one of the finest scullers that New Zealand has turned out, and an ex-champion of the world, and a brother New Zealander (of Wellington), who is, comparatively 'speaking, a tjTO at the game, I'addy Hannan went over to Sydney some three years ago and gained a certain experience on the Parramatta and the .northern rirers of New South Wales, but "has never rowed against Sydney's'best, so that ho has not yet beeii thoroughly'tried out. Over a year ago ho challenged William Fogwell, who beat Whelch (of Akaroa) for the professional sculling championship of Now Zealand, and as Fogwell could not get over to New, Zealand to row [for the title .lie relinquished it: Then Webb claimcd the titlo —or- it was claimed on his behalf —so Hannan came to' New Zealand and formally challenged, the ex-world's ohampion.. Both men. are. said to bo very fit, and the tussle on the Wanganui next week should create a good deal of interest. It has been claimed that Webb is as good a man in a wager boat, if not better, than ever he was, and if that be so there may yet be honour for Wanganui in the man iii whom they took such a pride five or six years ago. .• .