SCULLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2355, 23 November 1908, Page 3

SCULLING.

THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION-

SHIP

THOHOUGHGOO.D DEFEATS WHELCH.

THE NEW ZEALANDER’S UNAVAILING PLUCK.

United Press Association Copyright (Received Nov. 22, 4.25 p.m.)

SYDNEY, Nov. 22

Tlioroughgood succeeded in retaining the title of champion of Australia by easily defeating Whelch, 'although the New Zealander made a plucky effort. The race was rowed on the Raymond Terrace course on the Hunter river. Heavy rain delayed the start, and also interfered with the attendance. Several steamers follow, ed the race, but- the “gate” was not a heavy one. Whelch won the toss.. Thoroughgood got the best of the start, and quickly established a lead of half -a length, which he Increased to two lengths before a quarter of a mile was reached. Prior to this point, the Australian crossed into Wheleh’s water, rowing ahead and giving him his wash. The pace was slow, Thoroughgood dipping 28 to Whelch’s 32 strokes. Nearing t-ho mile, which occupied about- six minutes, Whelch spurted and drew -almost level. Tlioroughgood, responding, went away again, and was leading by two lengths at the mile and a half, the time being 9min 50sec. Again the New Zealander spurted and cut down the lead to a length. It was apparent, however, that Tlioroughgood, who was still in the New Zealander’s water, both being close inshore, had his measure. At this point, and again at two miles and a half, where Who Job bv a fine effort pulled almost level, Tlioroughgood easily rowed -ahead again. The New Zealander kept plugging away, and in the last half-mile made some fine spurts, but the Australian luul too mncli in haiid, and spurting -a hundred yards from the finish won by three lengths in 20mm 35soc. It was the slowest race for years, a fact accounted for by tis having been rowed “in dead water. Tlioroughgood stated that if he had been pushed lie could have improved the time a good deal. At the same time Whelch was the best man ho had vet met. The New Zealander recoiled an ovation -for his pluck.

Ben Tlioroughgood, who has just defeated Whelch, has been challenged by Fogwell, whom he formerly beat, and recentlv stated that if he beat Whelch he would row Fogwell, but adds that the latter would have to row on any course lie (The rough good) liked, and'tlrat would not be the Parramatta. Tlioroughgood also wrote recentlv to the Sydney Urielec .to the effect that if succesful in beating Whelch, it was his intention to challenge Ernest Barry, who recently defeated George Towns. George Whelch, champion amateur sculler of the Dominion, is a native oi Akaroa, Canterbury, and is twentynine or thirty years of age. and not by any means a big man, though lie has an exceptionally long reach, a fine constitution, and any amount of pluck. He first developed liis rowing powers in the pursuit of his calling as a fisherman. Altogether, Whelch has started in fifty-six regatta races, including singles and double sculls, pairs and four-oars, his record being: Forty-six firsts and seven seconds, and three times unplaced.