SPORTING NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 3101, 11 October 1886, Page 2

SPORTING NEWS.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] I!y Klectiuc Telegraph—Copyright. >— < THE WELSH HARP SCULLING HANDICAP. (Received October 11, 1.30 a.m.) London, October 9. The first heat of the Welsh Harp Handicap was rowed on the Thames to-day, when Wallace Ross and Perkins beat Neilson, who consequently is out of the final heat. BEACH V. ROSS. THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHD? AND iIOOO. [SPECIAL TO SYDNEY EVENING NEWS.] London, September 25. The long-talked-of sculling match, between William Beach, the champion oarsman of the world, and Wallace Ross, the American sculler, took place on the Thames to-day. It was rowed over the championship course, from Putney to Morllake. The race was for a stake of £IOOO and the championship of the world. To suit the tide the match had to be rowed before noon. This arrangement had a material effect upon the attend, ance of spectators; but, as compared with the recent -aquatic events, the early hour did not detract from the manifestation of the widespread interest taken iu the race and its result. All sorts of rumours had been circulated during the week as to the effect which the straggle between Beach and Gaudaur had had upon the champion's condition and his staying powers. It has been said that although be had so far recovered from his alleged over exertion as to be able to give a good account of himself for a short spin, yet ho was physically unfit to maintain a championship coarse struggle—that he was, in fact, " broken up." This and other similar reports were received with a considerable amount of credence—a circumstance, possibly due to the fact that Beach had only done gentle exercise and no real work since he beat Gaudaur. Ross was annonnced as being in the " very pink of condition," and it was said that he had surprised his sup. porters by the form be had displayed in pulling a trial. These circumstances combined to fan public interest and to inspire the supporters of Ross with considerable confidence in the ability of their man, and to induce them to believe that he would come out of the struggle the victor. In spite, however, of th« vaunted confidence of the American's supporters, they declined to stake any large amount of money. None of the heavy commissions which were out to back Beach could be covered except at extravagantly long odds. The inling price before the race was 10 to 3 on Beach. The steamers which were allowed to follow the race were crowded, and at Putney the banks of the river were thronged long before the time fixed for the start. Australians were in stronw force. It seemed that almost every representative of the Sunny South had regarded it as a duty to be present, and, with lusty cheers, to urge the " Australian wonder" to yet another victory. Bith men received a thoroughly impartial greeting when they made their appearance. Ross created a very favourable impression by the manner in which he plied his skulls in the few strokes be took before he took up his position at the mooring boat. BeaGb in his usual cool and undemonstrative way quietly paddled to his station, and took up his position for the start. He, having won the toss, selected the Surrey side. The time fixed for the race was within half an hour of high water. The tide was very sluggish, and gave but little or no assistance to the men. The men got away to a good start.

If there was any advantage, Ross seemed to have it. There appeared to be » strange interest taken in this match; for, contrary to the usual custom, scarcely a sound issued from those on the piess boat when the men gob away. All eyes seemed to be fixed on the champion. It in hardly possible for a sculler's opening strokes in any big match to have been watched with more interest than were Beach's openstrokes in this match. Into the water went his sculls six times, and the racn was over. Barely tea brief seconds had elapsed from the start to the time when Beach had pulled his sixth stroke through. By that time the last hope for the success of Amerioa had gone. Beach was moving with clockwork regularity, and his boat was rapidly gliding away from that of Ross. The Australian's claim to the title of " champion oarsman of the world " was, barring accidents, assured. The race admits of no lengthened description. From the very start Ross was never in it. Ross rowed in good style, and he pulled the much quicker stroke; but his efforts were all to no purpose. After the first six strokes, Beach reduced his rate of stroke; but he continued to put distance between himself and Ross. At the end of the first quarter of a mile, at the Duke's Head, Beach had shaken the American off; and long brfore Hammersmith Bridge was reached (one mile and three-quar-ters) the champion was leading by four lengths. Then there occurred an ineident, which at one time seemed to threaten disaster to Beach. He was steering for the centre arch of the bridge, when it was discovered that a barge was making for the same point from the opposite direction. Beach's coach warned him of the danger. Beach gave a hasty look ahead, and, seeing what was before him, he pulled for the arch on the Surrey side of the river. This was the point for which Ross was steering. The champion apparently thought that he could get through before Ross drew up. There was a loud choer, and a call on Ross to spurt. Ross responded; and it looked as if a foul was inevitable. The excitement was for a few seconds very great. Robs's boat was rapidly drawing up to Beach when the champion got in line with the arch, and, with a few powerfully-applied strokes, shot the arch half a length in advance of Ross. When once Beach had got into the straight course all danger was over; for he seemed to have made up his mind to put such a distance between himself and Ross as to insure against the repetition of such a possibility. Beach went along; and, on Barnes Bridge (three miles and a half) being reached, he was leading by more than eight lengths. At this point he took a rest by reducing his stroke down to a paddle. Beach was loudly cheered. It was now almost any odds on Beach; but faith in the American was completely gone; and Ross's supporters declined to give any further financial support to their man. Ross made several attempts to spurt, and now and again he was allowed to reduce the daylight gap; but it was only at the will and pleasure of Beach who, without quickening his stroke, seemed to be able to go away when he pleased. Beach pulled in grand style. Beach won as he liked by four lengths in 23min. ssec. Had he desired he could have "lost" Ross. B/ach passed the ship apparently as fresh as when he star! The win was very popular; and the champion was hailed with round after round of cheers. —+.».♦ VICTORIAN AMATEUR TURF CLUB MEETING. (Received October 9, 8.30 p.m.) Melbourne, October 9. The first day's racing of the Victorian Am»teur Turf Club took place at Caulfield to day. For the big event, the Caulfield Guineas, there were eioht starters, viz:—Donald, Retort, Chesham, Blair Gowfie, Gadfly, Madelina, Volcano, and First Consul. The race resulted as follows: THE CAULFIELD GUINEAS, Of 300 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, 5 ft. For three year olds (foals of 1883). The second horse to receive 75 sovs. and the third horse 25 sovs. from the stake. Colts, Bst. 51bs.; fillies, Bst, One mile. (96 subs.) Madelina 1 Volcano ... ... ... 2 First Consul 3 Time, Imin. 46secs. Volcano was the first to get away and Madelina the last. The former led until entering the straight, when Madelina assumed the lead. The race resulted in a splendid finish; ne<mng home, First Consul came with a great rush, but only succeeding in gaining third place.

Immediately after the conclusion of the race a protest wai lodged against the winner, but dismissed. Later. The Felon has been scratohed for the Melbourne Cup.