Kemp v. Matterson.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 212, 23 July 1887, Page 2

Kemp v. Matterson.

A sculling race between Peter Kemp and Neil Matterson, for £200 and the Tennyson Cup, took place on the Parramatta River Championship Course in the afternoon of the 4th July, resulting in an easy victory for the former. The contest between these prominent scullers had been looked forward to with considerable expectancy by those who take an interest in aquatics, and, despite the unpropitious state of the weather, a large number of sporting men journeyed up the river to witnesstherace, the steamer Admiral being well filled. The steam-launch Agenoria carried the umpire (Mr John Myers) and the representatives of the press. In addition to the foregoing steamers, several other boats took up positions along the course, and the different points on the river side from which a view of the competing oarsmen could be obtained were black with spectators, who appeared to be determined to see the race, rain or no rain. Matterson, who is 24 years of age, rowed at about list., while Kemp, who was 29 years old, was three or four pounds heavier. Kemp used a boat built by Clasper. Matterson's craft was specially built for him by Donnelly. Both men appeared to be in excellent condition. Matterson was the favourite at 6 to 4 on. Kemp had a good few supporters. The latter won the choice of positions. He determined to take the southern eide of the river, and there being a strong flood-tide running, this gave him some advantage. At 4.20 p.m. the competitors started from the railway bridge at Ryde by mutual consent, Kemp, who had, if anything, the best of the start, striking 38 strokes to the minute, and Matterson doing 36. Both men rowed well, but Kemp seemed to take things far easier than his opponent, and led him by nearly Uvo lengths at Uhr's point, which was passed in 1 minute 55 seconds. The scullers then made straight for the beacon, Kemp still maintaining his lead, although Matterson had lessened the distance a little. The mile was passed by Kemp, who was still leading, in G minutes 12 seconds. Considerable excitement was manifested by those persons who were on the steamers following the men when it was seen that Kemp had ,the race in his own hands ; but Matterson's friends had not yet lost hope, and they still expressed the belief that their man would win. At Putney, which was passed in 7 minutes 40 seconds, Kemp led by a length and a, half. Both men then crossed over to the Mortlake side of the rivor, and here Kemp left Matterson hopelessly in the rear, and at Caborita , he, w,as 12 lengths ahead, The lest of the race

may -be summed up as follows :—Matter«on continued to jmll to the finish in food style, but 'his strength seemed to ove left him altogether; Kemp held >on steadily, .and passed the Gaghoat about 15 lengths ahead. Time, 22 minutes 21£ seconds, which, considering the fctvong flood, was remarkably ,{?ood. At the conclusion of the race Matteraon entered a protest against Kemp, on the ground that jftelson, the sculler, had coached him over .the course. The race was rowed under the New South Wales Rowing Association irules, wliich, we believe, say nothing •about coaching. Amongst those who witnessed the contest were Mr George Perkins, the English sculler, and Mr John Deeble.