SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2048, 30 October 1919, Page 3

SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

FELTON’S VICTORY POPULAR IN SPORTING CIRCLES.

London, Oct.’2B,

Felton’s victory over Barry in the sculling championship is immensely popular in sporting circles. The newspapers recall that Felton first attracted attention by winning the Foxton Handicap in New Zealand in 1909. They predict a welcome revival of rowing in Australasia.

At the last moment Steve Fairburn, the celebrated ’Varsity coach, and now captain of the Thames Rowing Club, was selected to umpire the match.

[Felton won a big handicap race on the Alanawalu River in 1909. In the liual he heat S. Keys, Larsen, R. Green, and Hagney.]

Ernest Barry, who was defeated by Alf. Felton this week, has held the sculling championship of the world since 1912, when he beat the New Zealander, R. Arnst, on the Thames, He had been beaten previously by Arnst, in the race rowed on the Zambesi in 1910, Since winning the championship, Barry has successfully defended it against Durnau (1912), 11. Pearce (1913), and J. Padden (1914). No contests were held during the war. The new champion, Alf. Felton, is said to he one of the fastest scullers Australia has produced. He won nearly every muteh he rowed, defeating such men as C. Towns, 11. Pearce, R. Ford, and W. Fogwell. He was beaten by James Paddoii, the present champion of Australia. Felton had youth on his side in this match with Barry, for (he latter is 39 years of ago: also lie had what none of tlie other Australian-scullers who have rowed on the Thames had, the opportunity to become thoroughly acclimatised for he has been in England for a considerable period. His victory over Barry will give a big liHip to the sport in Australia, and the new champion will not have long to wait, if he desires jmolber match, as Paddon will be anxious to meet him.