GREAT SCULLING CONTEST.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9033, 26 February 1908, Page 5

GREAT SCULLING CONTEST.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD.

WEBB VERSUS TRESSIDER

WON BY THE FORMER.

BY TELEGRAM—MESS ASSOCIATION. WANGANUI. February 25. The race for the Sculling Championship of the World took place on the Wanganui River, this afternoon, when William Webb, of Wanganui, champion sculler of the world, beat Richard Tresidder, of Newcastle, the champion sculler of Australia.

The race was rowed under idea) conditions so far as the contestants were concerned. The water was as smooth as the proverbial mill pond, and there was practically no wind, what there was being in the scullers' favour. Unfortunately the weather was wretched for the spectators. From early morning till about 3.30 rain fell, and as a consequence thousands of people were afraid to witness the race. Despite this, however, a very large number patronised the steamers, while the river banks were thronged. Great enthusiasm was manifested. WEBB WAS THE FAVOURITE, though Tresidder bad a big backing. When the men lined up for the start it was obvious that both were in fine nick. The muscles of Webb, who it was apparent had been particularly intent on his work stood out like bunches of elastic. Tresidder, who was apparently in the pink of condition, appeared to be less buoyant than his adversary, though more powerful. Webb won the toss and chose the left bank, but both kept fairly in the centre of the river, and consequently rowed under pretty much the same conditions. An EXCELLENT START was effected, both men striking the water together at 28 strokes to the minute. This was maintained for the first half-mile, where Webb, whose boat seemed to run better between the strokes, had a lead of about a quarter of a length. Neither seemed extended, the sculling being very gentle and easy. This state of affairs obtained till the mile post was passed, the time being 6min lsec. Both men continued to scull steadily, and apparently witfiout effort,

WEBB DRAWING AWAY, until at a mile and a-half he was nearly two lengths in the lead. Tresidder then quickened up slightly, and reduced the lead to a length. Both were doing 26 strokes to the minute, and steering beautifully. When the two-mile post was reached (in six minutes five seconds) Webb was a couple of lengths ahead, and this he gradually increased to four lengths. Tresidder was pulling, splendidly, but did not seem able to increase his pace. The last mile and a-qaurter

WAS SOMEWHAT EXCITING

Tresidder slightly increased his stroke, and Webb appeared to tire, with the result that the Australian, who still steered as straight as a dart, gradually drew up to the New Zealander. Both seemed unable to sprint, but Tresidder continued to lessen the gap until when the gun went, he was two and a-half lengths in the rear, the time being 20 minutes 28 seconds. Webb received A GREAT OVATION,

aa did Tresidder, who did net stop, but went right down to town, a distance of nearly eight miles, at very little less than the pace he exhibited in the race.

The umpire interviewed after the race, said that there was no doubt that THE BETTER MAN HAD WON. He thought Webb showed signs of being tired half a mile from home, but he undoubtedly rowed a fine race. Tresidder had also shown himself to be a fine sculler. The chairman of Tresidder's Newcastle committee expressed himself as satisfied with his man's performance, but admitted that he had been fairly beaten.

WEBB'S CAREER

William Webb was born at Lyttelton, about 28 years ago, but has resided at Wanganui during the past twelve years. For over a dozen years he has been prominent in aquatics; out of twenty-nine starts he has won twenty-one races. Here is his history in brief: — 1896. — First, ' Maiden Pairs, at Akaroa; second, Double Sculls, at Akaroa; fkst, Maiden Pairs, at Little River; unplaced, Youths Pairs and Double Sculls, at Christchurch Regatta. 1897.—First, Junior Fours, at Wanganui. 1898. —Second, Junior Fours, at Wellington; second, Junior Fours, at Picton; second, Senior Fours, at Picton. 1900. First, Maiden Double Sculls, at Wanganui; second, Junior Fours, at Wanganui; unplaced, Senior Fours, at Wanganui. 1902. —First Championship Single Sculls, at Wanganui; first, Senior Single Sculls, at Wellington. 1904.—First, Senior Single Sculls, at Wellington; first, Senior Fours, at Wellington; Senior Fours (bes,t boats), at Wanganui. 1905. Second, Championship Sculls, at Wellington; first, Championship Double Sculls, at Wellington; first, Senior Singles, at WaDganui; first, Senior Clinker Fours, at Wanganui; first, Senior Fours (best boats), at Wanganui. 1906.—First, Champion Singles, at Picton; first, Champion Doubles, at Picton; first, Senior Fours, at Waitara; first, Senior Singles, at Wanganui; second, Senior Fours, at .Wanganui; and dc-feated James Stanbury for the Championship of New Zealand. 1907.—Defeated Charles Towns for the Championship of the World. 1908.-Defeated R. Tresidder for the Championship of the World.