CHAMPION WALKING MATCH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2238, 20 May 1880, Page 2

CHAMPION WALKING MATCH.

[By Telegraph.] Christchuhch, This day. The walking match between Bowley and O’Connor, for £IOO a-sido and the championship of New Zealand, came off this afternoon. The weather was fine, the ground in excellent condition, and there was a large attendance of visitors, including a few ladies. Both men were in capital form, and an interesting contest was looked forward to. Speculation as to the result ran high, and considerable sums werejstabed on the event. Betting on the whole was tolerably even, Bowley being the favorite with the local fancy, while Connor’s friends were equally confident of his success. The distance to be covered was seven miles, and both men started on even terms at half-past three. Connor was decidedly the prettiest walker, and, unlike his opponent, he‘ showed but slight symptoms of distress. Bowley, though evidently fatigued and short-winded, displayed considerable pluck and energy. For a considerable time the match was a remarkably close one, the competing pods keeping close together. Once or twice they passed and repassed each other. Bowley held the lead, but it was evident that Connor was playing a waiting game. Towards the termination of the match the competitors were urged on to their utmost pace by the cries of their respective friends. . Connor displayed some slight symptoms of exhaustion, but he speedily recovered himself, walking pluckily through out. The following is the result O’CONNOR ... 1 BOWLEY ... ... ... 2 Time—s6min 41sccs.