THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 676, 19 August 1876, Page 3

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

( Daily Telegraph, June 28. J

Yesterday evening was decided over the splendid course from Putney to Mortlake an event of first-class importance in the rowing world. Those four miles of rippling, shining water from the Aqueduct to the ship are rich in recollections of gallant struggles, and among aquatic contests that of yesterday will not be the least noteworthy, for a sculler who had come all the way from Australia was pitted against Joseph H. Sadler, the sculling champion of England. The Australian’s name is Trickett. He is a fine stalwart young fellow, ofjfift 4in or thereabouts, and has earned the reputation of being a powerful sculler. His reach is very long, and now that Harry Kelley, the exchampion, has taught him the use of the sliding seat, his style is decidely good. Of course it was not to be expected that he should scull with quite the lively, finished, clean stroke that has made Sadler so famous, but it was thought that what he lacked in finish and regularity he made up in strength and in length of arm.

The competitors agreed to row under the old rules of boatracing, according to which the leading man may take and keep his opponent’s water. Mr W. H. Leverell, of Bell's Life , was umpire. It should be stated that Sadler rowed in a very light boat, built by Clasper, and named the Lancelot, while Trickett used a beautilful craft built by Swaddle and Wiuship, christened, very appropriately, Young Australia. Sadler, who is nearly thirty-seven years of age, weighed lOst 111 b ; and Trickett, who is twelve years younger, scaled about 71b more. On the arrival of the Press boat at Putney, shortly before four o’clock, a most animated scene was witnessed. A large number of steamers, more or less full of sightseers, were huddled together just above Putney Aqueduct. The steamers bore conspicuous inscriptions, such as “ Sadler’s boat ” and “ Trickett’s boat.” As time went on they got into position, the crowds on the banks increased, and the excitement visibly grew. By a quarter to five matters began to wear a more business like appearance. The current odds seemed to be about 7 to 4 on Sadler, and this price was, no doubt, taken to a considerable extent. Anything more would, it is understood, have been freely accepted. Five o’clock struck, and all was ready. Then there was a tedious interval. The umpire’s, and the press boat were moored side by side just below the Star and Garter, and nine laden steamers were in a line 200 yards or so behind. The river itself was very clear, thanks to the exertions of Mr Lord, of the Thames Conservancy. There was at this time very little wind, and the water was scarcely rippled. A good tide was running up, and altogether it would be impossible to imagine more favorable circumstances for the great race. Then at twenty minutes past five a loud cheer from the shore told us that Sadler had put off, and a minute later hr was alongside the umpire’s boat. Trickett followed soon afterwards. At half-past five the eightoared outrigger J, with t ie pilots in the bows, had got into their places. Just as the men were in position £BOO to £2OO was offered. Sadler had the Surrey side. Trickett was a long time getting ready, but when at last he stripped it was seen that of the two he was decidedly the more muscular man. The start was effected, after two breaks away by Trickett, at thirty-eight minutes past five. Sadler dipped his sculls first into the water, and got the nose of his boat to the front. He kept his advantage only a very little while, however ; for off the Boat Houses Trickett was quite up to him, and some think his boat was in front. The umpire’s steamer was left behind, and for some little time could not get up to the others. At Craven Point Trickett was leading a good length, and seemed to be going further away from his opponent. Sadler looked over his shoulder at Trickett, who, rowing long and easily, kept the lead he had gained, and increased it at the Crab Tree to fully two lengths. 40 to 10 was now offered on Trickett. The Australian seemed to be sculling quite easily, h s long reach and groat power serving him in good stead. Opposite the Soap Works Trickett’s lead was quite three lengths, and when Hammersmith Badge was shot in 9min 35sec, this advantage was increased by about half a length. Trickett’s strokes were here timed at 28 to the minute, pulled right through. Going up to Chiswick Byob Sadler quickened, and at the bottom of the Byot there was probably barely two lengths between the men. Trickett, however, went away without any apparent effort. At the top of the Byot Sadlrr spurted gamely, and offers were heard lo take 2 to 1. When Barnes Bridge came in sight, Sadler seemed to ba closing up, and tin re was great excitement. It seemed still a fine race. Sadler’s partisans shouted “Go it Joe,” with astonishing pertinacity and lungpower. Close to Barnes Bridge “Joe” did “go it,” and at one period just before shooting the railway bridge, there was probably not more than a clear length between the stern of “ Young Australia” and the stern of “ Lancelot.” Offers were now heard to take 15 to 5. Trickett, who long ago had taken his opponent’s water, here rowed a good course ; while Sadler got very wide towards the Surrey shore. Barnes Bridge was then passed, the Australian loading by between two and three lengths. After this Sadler could do nothing, and, when Trickett passed the judge’s boat a winner, he was quite four lengths in front of his plucky opponent. The time of the race from start to finish was given variously as 24min 60sec, 24min 35sec, and 21min 36,Jsec. The last was probably nearest to the truth. This, the most important sculling race of the season, was won by a Colonist, defeating the best man—except possibly Higgins—that the old country can produce. That Trickett deserved his victory for his pluck and skill will be wilbngly conceded on all hands ; but at the same time it was not easy to believe that Sadler’s best form was shown in the race. He seemed to lack power and dash, and was practically beaten in the first mile. Possibly Trickett would have faltered slightly had he been seriously pressed, but as it was he seemed always—as racing men say—to have “ a bit in hand,” and his long clean drag never changed. At the finish be was not apparently distressed. He wins besides the honor of the Championship, the substantial sum of £4OO. The race excited an enormous amount of interest, and all the favorite places along the course were crowded with spectators. There were a great many people on Hammersmith Bridge, and the concourse of sight-seers at Mortlake reminded us of an Oxford and Cambridge race day. All the arrangements were well carried out, and reflect considerable credit on the authorities.