SCULLING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3051, 23 November 1908, Page 5

SCULLING.

CHAMPIONSHIP OF AUSTRALIA.

THOROUGHGOOD DEFEATS WHELCH. NEW ZEALANDER'S PLUCKX FIGHT.

By Telegraph—Press Association.. Received November 22, p.m. SYDNEY, November 22.

Ben Thoroughgood succeeded in retaining the title of champion of Australia by easily defeating George Whelch, yesterday, although the New Zealander made a plucky effort.

The race was rowed over tbe Raymond Terrace course on the Hunter river.

Heavy rain delayed the start, and also interfered with the attendance. Several steamers followed the race* but the gate was not a heavy one. Whelch won the toss. Thoroughgood got the best of the start, and quickly established a lead of half a length, which he increased to two lengths before the quarter-mile post was reached. Prior to reaching this point the Australian had crossed into Whelch's water, rowing ahead and giving him his wash. The pace was slow, Thoroughgood dipping 28 to Whelch's 32 strokes.

Nearing the milej which occupied about six minutes, Whelch spurted and drew almost level. Thoroughgood responded, and went away again,, leading by two lengths, at the mile and half, the time being 9in 50sec. Again the New Zealander spurted,, and cut the lead down to a length. It was apparent. however, that Thoroughgood, who was still in tbe New Zealander's water, both being close inshore, had his measure. At this noint and again at the two miles and a-half, where Whelch by a fine effort pulled almost level, Thoroughgood easily rowed ahead again. The New Zealander kept plugging: away, and in the last half-mile made some fine spurts, but the Australian had too much in hand.

Spurting a hundred yards from the finish Tharoughgood won by three lengths in 20min 35sec. The race was the slowest wit~ nessed for years, and this is accounted for by the fact that it was rowed in dead water.

Thorougbgcod stated, in an interview afterwards, that if he had been: pushed he could have i'mproved the time a good deal. At the same time, he said, Whelch was the best man he has yet met. The Ne\y Zealander received an ovation for his pluck.