SCULLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 24 June 1909, Page 3

SCULLING.

CHAMPIONSHIP RETAINED BY ARNST. Wanganui, June 22. The race between Richard Arnst (present champion) and William Webb for the sculling championship of the world was decided to-day on the Wanganui river, under perfect weather conditions. Rain fell at about one o’clock, but the sky brightened long before the race started at 2.10,

Both men looked in the best of condition.

THE RACE.

Webb won the toss, and chose the Kaiwhaike side. Both men made a good start, Webb had a slight advantage in the first quarter of a mile, doing 30 to the minute to Arnst’s 28. Both were sculling well, Webb’s style was superb, but Arnst was putting more weight into his work. Approaching the mile, which was accomplished in smm issec, Arnst and Webb were almost level, but the champion soon got ahead of the challenger. The rate at this point was Arnst 26, Webb 25. At a mile and a quarter, Arnst was nearly a length to the good, and was apparently keeping within himself. Webb appeared to be tiring. At the two miles, which was done in romin 52sec, Arnst was two lengths ahead of the challenger, and was giving Webb his wash, but Webb’s strenuous efforts soon decreased the gap. At the bend, Arnst was in Webb’s water, Webb being some three or four lengths behind, but rowing splendidly, and it looked as If he would overtake Arnst, who was rowing 26 to Webb’s 30. The challenger’s spurt lasted for fully a quarter of a mile, and the struggle provided a splendid exhibition of sculling, the finish being marked by most strenuous endeavours by both men. Arnst, however, was too good for the challenger, and drew away when three-quarters of a mile from home. Webb’s defeat was now apparently inevitable, but he made a last desperate effort, and, amidst stupendous cheers from his supporters, lessened Arnst’s lead rowing 30 to the minute. Webb was gaining steadily, but Arnst, putting on a powerful stroke, kept the advantage, and swept past the post three lengths ahead of the challenger. Time iSmin issec. Both men received a great ovation as they shook hands. A crowd numbering between 6000 and 8000 witnessed the race. Mr T. D. Cummins was umpire, and Mr T. W. Ferry was judge.