THE GREAT SCULLING MATCH.

Te Aroha News, Volume VIII, Issue 488, 12 July 1890, Page 3

THE GREAT SCULLING MATCH.

STANSBURY’S VICTORY,

Below will be found further details of the great sculling match on June 23rd between James Stansbury and William O’Connor — the first race between the pair. Quite 10,000 people witnessed the event, and as much interest was excited by it in Sydney as if it had been for the Championship of the World. Stansbury was the decided favourite. The foul claimed by O'Connor has caused much discussion, and opinions differed as to the blameable party. The race started about half-past four in the afternoon. There was a strong westerly wind and a four-hour ebb tide. The unusual method of having the boats held at the stern from mooted boats did not work well. They shipped water badly, and several false starts were made before they went off well together at about 40 strokes to the minute. O’Connor got a slight lead, and the scullers dashed along, getting close in to the shore. On nearing Uhr’s Point Stanbury had slackened down to 30 to the minute, O’Connor going a little faster, and both of them got very close to the shore. In fact, O’Connor appeared to be in danger of running into tho bank, when he suddenly put on a spurt and heading his boat out went towards the Australian’s boat. Stansbury seeing a foul imminent, put in a few powerful strokes, causing his boat to shoot ahead. From the steamer it was hard to see whether the boats touched,although they could not have missed by much. O’Connor, after taking a few strokes, held up his hand, and then proceeded after Stansbury, who at Uhr’s Point, was leading by a couple of lengths. Thetimetothepoint waslminute47seconds. Stansbury continued to gain on his opponent, and despite several short spurts by O’Connor had no difficulty in keeping ahead and won by 3 lengths in 20min 28£sec. On the way back Mr Thomas, the referee, unofficially gave his decison in favour of Stansbury, and the wagers on the boat were paid over accordingly. O’Connor on being spoken to afterwards said he did all he could to avoid a foul, as he considered that a foul would be against him, but he had to do so or go on tho rocks. He claimed the race, and stated that if he did not get it he would never row another race in Australia ; and also that he would not let Stansbury get the stakes. Stansbury states that there was no foul between the boats at all. O’Connor’s boat crossed the stern of his, but there was a space of fully 2fb between the boats. He also says that there was no necessity for O'Gonnor to pull out at all. Stansbury does not think he is good enough for Kemp yet, but he is ready to row O’Connor again, or McLean. If ho makes a match within a fortnight he will continue in training, but if not he will take a spell. The Sullivan boat in which he rowed suited „him i splendidly. In the evening Mr Thomas officially gave his decision in favour of Stansbury.