WEBB VANQUISHED

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 220, 28 December 1910, Page 2

WEBB VANQUISHED

OVERTAKEN AND BEATEN BY PEARCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Monday. The people of Wanganui went up the river to-day quietly confident that William Webb would substantiate the claims of his admirers that he is lit to measure blades with the world's champion oarsmen. They returned sadly convinced that their confidence was unfounded. From the .first mile the wind was against the scullers, who, however, had it behind ,them in the run home. After Pearce had broken away once a fine start was effected, both men touchI ing the water together. Pearce, who had won the toss, and chosen the inside course, put in 38 strokes in the first minute, Webb striking 34. Pearce continued the faster stroke, and on passing Webb's camp was leading by half a length. Webb, however, seemed to be pulling the easier, and a quarter of a mile further on quickened up and drew level with the Australian champion, who gradually dropped behind, until at the mile the Wanganui man had a' length advantage, and, so far as could be judged, was holding Pearce easily. Pearce gradually drew up, and at ths mile and a-quarter went past Webb, who seemed to be done from that point. Pearce was never headed. At a mile and a-half he had a lead of three lengths, but Webb wakened up ami reduced the gap by half. Nearing the two miles, Pearce, who had rowed 28 to the minute almost from the start, was a couple of lengths away from Webb, who on passing the two miles was rowing 26. Turning the corner into the home stretch, Webb made another effort, but it was obvious that he was tired. Pearce was rowing all he knew and in the next half mile had increased his lead to four lengths. Webb, though done, made a gallant effort half a mile from the post and came within two lengths of the Australian, but it was plain that Pearce would not be headed, and though Webb made another, spurt he could not eatoh the visitor, who crossed the line two lengths ahead. It is understood that Pearce will be matched against Arnst in the near future. The race was rowed in 21min 5 sec.

"Moturoa" writes from Wanganui:— The race is over, and William Webb's name is just plain mud. It was a poor contest, but. it served its purpose. It brought home to Webbtown-ites the fact that their thrice-beaten Willie was only a second-rater. Glorious weather prevailed and the attendance was large. Practically everybody came up to see Webb win. The tide was still running in as the scullers drew iip. Pearce, the sunbrowned *StraJian, looking confident, was nearest the left bank, and Webb, looking tired and anxious, was on the outside. Both got away smartly, Pearce putting in somes trenuous strokes and quickly, forging ahead, leading by a length at the naif-mile. Then Webb sprinted, and was alongside his rival. There was a burst of applause as the light blue went on and led by nearly a length at the mile post. But Pearce smiled largely, and then got to work. His boat leaped through the water, and he was in a minute alongside, ahead, then lengths ahead of the local champion. Webb came again in the second mile, but Pearce easily held a twolengths' advantage. At the three-mile post he had increased his lead to five lengths, and then the result was beyond all doubt. Webb flnished strongly, but ihad no chance with the 'Stralian, who won by a good two lengths. Webb is reported to have said that he will never race again, and probably the Wanganui river will now be filled in, Hieing of no further use. Pearce rows a quick, jerky stroke, and may not be a champion, but he was easily Webb's master. I can pick Arnst to beat Pearce by a dozen lengths if they ever meet.