HANLAN v. TRICKETT.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2109, 26 November 1880, Page 3

HANLAN v. TRICKETT.

The following is the Melbourne " Age s -special cable message giving an account of the contest for the Sculling Championship Both men were in fine condition, and Triokett, especially, was sanguine of success. He weighed 12ib 21b; Hanlan weighed list. The race was started soon after 11 o’clock.

At the time of the start the weather was somewhat unfavorable, owing to rain, but the water was smooth, there being no wind, xne course was admirably kept throughout the race by the Thames Conservancy Board. Ihe betting at the start was 5 to 4 on Hanlan. Hanlan rowed in a boat built specially for him by George Waring, of Toronto, Canada, according to Hanlan’s own instructions. _ The length of the craft was 30ft. fiin.; it weighed altogether no more than 24J-lb., and was built of Canadian white cedar. Trickett’s boat was turned out by Jewett, of Dunstan, on the Tyne. It was 31ft. in length, and was fitted with rudders, steering apparatus, and swivel rowlocks, weighing altogether 291 b. Triokett won the toss for choice of stations, and selected the Middlesex side of the river. A splendid start was effected, both scullers catching the water at the same instant. "Within one hundred yards of the start the Canadian began to lead slightly, both men rowing coolly and in capital form. At the London Rowing Club shed, situated about a quarter of a mile from the start, Hanlan had gained a more decided advantage, and at the half-mile post Hanlan had obtained a good lead. Passing Craven Cottage, about three- - quarters of a milo from the start, Hanlan was still leading; and thence up to the Soapworks, a mile and three-quarters from the start, Hanlan, though rowing easily, had increased his lead to a length. From the Soapworks to Hammersmith Bridge he maintained his lead, passing the bridge one length ahead in 9min. Slsecs. from the start. At this point Hanlan stopped rowing for a few strokes, allowing Triokett to come near him, when he again started away with great dash, and soon regained his lead. Hanlan now began to increase the pace, rowing at the rate of thirty-eight strokes per minute, and going rapidly away from Triokett. At this point any odds were to be obtained against the Australian. At the Hammersmith bridge a dense concourse of spectators had collected, and cheered vociferously as the competitors rowedby. From Hammersmith bridge to Chiswick Eyot Hanlan increased his lead, roving in magnificent style. At this part of the race Triokett was a couple of lengths behind, rowing well and strongly, but seemed unable to overhaul his opponent. Hanlan, on the contrary, appeared at his ease, and able not only to maintain his position, but to increase his lead. Coming to Barnes railway bridge, three miles and a half from the start, Hanlan again showed his superiority, as he bad now gained a lead of at least four lengths. From this part of the race to the finish the Canadian rowed easily, Triokett being evidently unable to gain upon him. Hanlan led throughout the race, never giving Triokett a chance. Both men rowed admirably throughout. The time of the race was 26min. 12seo. This is slow, but may be accounted for by the rain which fell during the race.

The match caused great excitement throughout England. The attendance at every point of the course was much larger than has been known for many years. The greatest enthusiasm was manifested throughout by the spectators. Banian, who won easily by four lengths, received a perfect ovation, Trickett also being greatly applauded. Deferring to the Champion Sculling Eace the “ Argus” of the 17th says■“ The result of the sculling race between Hanlan and Trickett' excited great surprise among the large number of Victorians who took an interest in the race. Naturally Trickett was the favourite in Melbourne, and it was fully anticipated that if he was defeated it would he only after a very severe struggle. That Hanlan would win very easily in slow time was never for a moment thought of._ The easy defeat of the Australian champion is consequently all the greater disappointment. The defeat” of Trickett is ascribed to his being overtrained, a view of the case which is supported by the statement that he was considerably lighter than when he rowed in Sydney. That he was out of form wag proved by the time taken to row the distance, 26min. 19«eo. (Hanlon’s time being 26min. 12ae0.) In June, 1876, Trickett won easily against Saddler over the same course in 24min. SSseo., but in 1880 he was nearly two minutes longer going the distance, although rowing his best all the way.”