AQUATICS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 129, 12 May 1884, Page 2

AQUATICS.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD. By a Reuters telegram dated Sydney, May 9, we hear that William Beach, who last month successfully contested the .Championship of New South Wales with Edward Trickett, on the Parramatta River, has now publically notified his readiness to meet the Canadian oarsman, Hanlon, on the same course within the next two months. Since his easy victory over Trickett every one has been most anxious to see him try conclusions with the Canadian celebrity, but he steadily refused to row anybody on the Nepean course. At the same time he notified his willingness to meet Hanlon on the Parramatta river, and contest for the championship of the world and any amount up to £5,000. Morris Green wall having, on behalf of his principal, signified his willingness to enter into arrangements for a contest. Preliminaries for a match for £l,OOO and the championship) have been agreed upon. Hanlon is reported to be doing hard work, and has gone into thorough training. His contest with Laycock will take place on t ie 22nd inst., on the Nepean river. Some surprise has been expressed in aquatic cii cles that Laycock had not first of all disputed Beach’s claim to Australian honors before breaking a lance with Hanlon. Henry Peterson is looked upon by many as “ the coming man,” and it is said that Hanlon has a great opinion of him. He is a wonderfully powerful young fellow, rows in first-class form, and is a thorough waterman and Hanlon says the e is nothing to prevent Peterson becoming champion of the world. The following account of Beach’s contest with Trickett for the Australian championship, rowed on the 12th ult., on the Parramatta River will give readers an idea of the formers prowess. A good start was effected by mutual consent, Beach catching the water quickest and before long led by half a length, rowing 34 to the minute, whilst Trickett was making 36. At Blaxland’s Point Beach had drawn ahead a clear length. The first mile was done in 6min. 27secs., with a clear length of water between himself and his opponent Putney was passed by Beach 3secs. ahead of his opponent. At Oneman Wharf Trickett made a final effort, and just at this moment Beach lost his stroke by looking behind. Trickett closed on him considerably, but Beach easily regained his position by a few strokes, and finished and easy winner by two lengths, in 23min. 19sec. THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE. The following is a brief account of the University boat race:— The annual boat raco between the Oxford and Cambridge University crews occurred on the morning of April 7th. The course was the regular four miles and two furlongs on the Thames, from Putney to Mortlake. The weather was unpropitious, and the air filled with drizzling rain. \ heavy mist overhung the river, while the water was decidely choppy. There were but few spectators. The Cambridge crew was the favourite from the start, and gained an easy victory. Oxford won the toss, mid chose the Surrey side. After a false start, Cambridge at the word “Go” gripped the water first, and gained a lead of nearly half a length. Oxford, by a great effort, almost caught Cam-

bridge in the first one Imudrod» yarda ding-dong tussle was kept up for th rest of the first mile, when Cambridge Jed, ind v 8 never afterwards headed, rai sing ’ aryn ■ smith, Cambridge was nearly a leng < fhe> Oxford frequently spurted, and C n*»ri< a promptly answered, A nasty, ch oy , and a head wind, seemed to favo .r Ci bridge’s rowing, and the steering of Oxf d was somewhat wild, but the men woi d gamely until Baxae’s was reached, when t went to pieces, and Carol idge finished fresh nearly three lengths ahead. Time, 21mins. 29secs.