THE FRANCIS PUNCH BOWING TROPHY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2656, 11 October 1882, Page 3

THE FRANCIS PUNCH BOWING TROPHY.

The special correspondent of the “ Argus” telegraphs from Sydney as follows on 3rd October;— The first of the series of races in connection with the Francis Punch rowing trophy was held on the Parramatta Hirer this afternoon. The races were rowed under favorable auspices, the weather being all that could bo desired. The steamers Commodore and P

'rinoa of Wales were engaged by the committee for the accommodation of the public, the latter conveying the umpire, and the former the representatives of the Frees. Punctually to time, the appointed steamers left Circular Quay well filled with spectators and the friends of the various competitors. The numerous vantage points along the banks of the river were also crowded with spectators. The programme contained no fewer than eleven competitors, but only six faced the starter’s flag. The reasons for the absence of four of those who had entered for competition, and had prepared themselves with apparent earnestness for the event, have not been explained. Largan, of course, is not in the colony, although bis boats and his trainer have arrived.

Layoock and Trickeot we re very much admired, and although Triokett has sustained reverses in England and America, he showed clearly that his style has improved. It was rumoured earl; in the day that Triokett had fallen off in health somewhat, but that this rumour was devoid of truth could not be doubted by those who saw his condition this afterrfoon. It was stated by those who have been familiar with Triokett for the past ten years that they never saw him looking better, or witnessed such a good style of rowing ns that to which he treated the public on the present occasion. A similar improvement in form was noticeable in Laycook, whoso rowing excited universal admiration. The only close contest during the day was thai between Beach end Triokett for about a mile, and although the former is comparatively a novice in an outrigger, his performance stamps him £8 a man from whom great things may be anticipated. Pearce, although of powerful physique and a likely looking man for a sculler, does not seem to have improved in form. Macdonald rowed in his old form, audit is thought that ho has a good chance of securing a position in the fins! row off. Kush Deemed to play with his ontagonist as he thought fit, and is expected to prove troublesome to his rivals iu the final struggle for first prize. The following is tbs result of the racing :

First Division (course; from the bathing house, Charity Point, to Qladosville). —B. O. Layoock, D. Macdonald. The men were started punctually at the advertised time. Layoock first took the water, and rowing 28 strokes to the minute ho led Macdonald, who was rowing 30 strokes to the minute, and passed Uhr’s Point three lengths ahead. Although at various times during the race Macdonald by spurting decreased the distance between them, it was evident ho was only allowed to do eo on sufferance, end eventually Layoock passed the winning post with a lead of 12 lengths. Time —17min. 42seo. Second division (course from Qladesville wharf to the bathing house, Charity Point— M. Bush, H. Pearce. Both men caught the water simultaneously, rowing 33 strokes to the minute. Pearce took the southern shore, while Rush piloted his craft in mid stream. Off Putney Bush was loading easily by 2Jlangths, and although Pearce made some plucky efforts in response to the loud appeals of his friends, ho was unable to reach his opponent. During the race Rush eased off several times to allow Pearce to come up. When a few hundred yards from the finish he allowed Pearce to draw up once again, and the latter pluokily spurted with him to the goal, Bush winning by about a quarter of a length. Time, ISmin 32seo. Third Division (course the same as No, 1) —B. Triokett, W. Beach. Both men got away on equal terms, and rowed neck and neck off Uhr’s Point. They kept well together for the next half mile. At this point in the race, however,'Beach, who was rowing with great determination and with a quicker stroke than Triokett, shot in front, and off Blaxland’a Point Triokett was half »

length in the rear. Beach increased his load for come distance. Trickott, however, closed upon him off Putney, whore a foul occurred, Trickott was the first to recover, aud from this rowed in front of Beach, and won by

four lengths. Time, 17min 27secs. Tho following is the result of the drawing to-night for Thursday’s racing First heat— Bench, Pearce, Triokett; to start at 4 p.m, Second boat —Macdonald, Bush, Layoook ; to start at a quarter to five. The course in the first heat will be from Gladesville wharf to Charity Point, and in the second heat the course will be reversed. The first two men

in each heat will pull the final heat on Saturday.