AN ACCOUNT OF THE RACE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7829, 23 June 1909, Page 3

AN ACCOUNT OF THE RACE.

Per Press Association. WANGANUI, June 22. The race for the sculling championship of the world was decided to-day under perfect weather conditions. Rain fell about 1 o'clock, but the sky brightened long before the race started at 2.10 p.m. Both men looked m the best of condition. Webb won the toss, and chose tho Kaiwhaike side. Both made a good start, Webb striking thirty-seven to the minute and Arnst thirty-five. Webb had a slight advantage m the first quarter-mile, doing thirty per minute to Arnst's twentyeight, both sculling well. Webb's style was superb, but Arnst was putting more weight into his work. Approaching the mile, which was accomplished m omiii losec, the men were almost level, but Arnst, tho champion, soon got ahead of the challenger. The rate at this point was: Arnst twenty-six, Webb twenty-live. At a mile and a quarter Arnst was nearly a length to the good, and apparently keeping within himself. Webb appeared to be tiring. At two miles, which were done m lOmin 62sec, Arnst was two lengths ahead of the challenger and giving Webb Ins wash, but the latter's strenuous efforts soon .decreased the gap. At the bend Arnst was m Webb's water, the latter being some three or four lengths behind, but rowing splendidly, and it looked as if he would overlap Arnst who • was rowing twenty-six to Webb's thirty. The challenger's spurt lasted for fully a quarter of a mile, and the struggle provided a splendid exhibition of sculling, the finish being a most strenuous endeavour by both men. Arnst, however, was too good for: the challenger, and drew away three-quarters cf a mile from home. Webb's defeat was now apparently inevitable, but the challenger made a last desperate effort, and, amidst stupendous cheers from his supporters, lessened Arnst's lead. Eowing thirty to the minute, AVebb was gaining steadily, but Arnst, putting on a powerful stroke, kept the advantage, and swept past the post three lengths ahead. The Time was 18min 15sec. Both men received a great ovation as they shook hands. A crowd numbering between 6000 and 8000 witnessed the race. MrT' D- Cummins was umpire, and Mr T. W. Ferry as judge.