SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 90, 17 April 1922, Page 4

SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

havfrxo v. fadpok. ON THE EVE OF THE CONTEST. HADITELD STILL FAVOURITE. (By Telegraph.—Special to -'Star.") WAXGAXUI, this day. j Another race for the world's eculling championship will be decided on the Wanganui Kivcr course to-morrow, when the contestants will be Darcy Hadfield (holder of the title) and Jas. Paddon (challenger). The weather prospects are bright, and the river 6hould also be in splendid order. There does not appear to be the came excitement about this race as in some previous contest*, but there is sure to be a large crowd to witness the etruggle. The majority of tho=c interested seem to regard the result ac a foregone conclusion, being confident that the Sew Zealander -will retain the title. The reason for thia confidence in Hadfield is that he ia known to be in great fettle, better than ever before, while . there is doubt as to whether Paddon will be able to do himself full justice. It i* known that he euffered from lumbago up to about three weeks ago, and was unable to get in the amount of work lie should have done. He has been almost free of the complaint since then, and ac ■ a result has made a big improvement, but it would probably take another week ' or so to bring him right to the top of his form. He looks to be in good fettle, however, and there is no doubt as to the pace with which he can drive his boat along. But will he see out a gruelling race over the fall course? His friends are seemingly doubtful on thia point, ' though hopeful that he will. They de- ■ clare that they would be confident of the result if they were convinced he was as ' fit a man as* hie opponent. ,; Hadfield's rowing has appealed to observers more than the Australian's, because there is more enap in it, but Paddon's sculling is very deceptive owing ! to the exceptional length of bis sculls. | and his peculiar rigging, which make his style look laboured. However, the ! beet judges in Australia Tegard him at ! his very best as a world beater. He is r down to weight and will row at 13»t 81b, I and if it is a fine warm day it is quite j on the cards that he will prove capable . of one of his greatest performances, in j which case Hadfield will be severely tested. Just how good the New Zealander » remains to be seen. Arnet rowed, so j badly against Hadfield that no reliance ; can be placed on that in arriving at any j conclusion. It was no test at all. j I Paddon is sure to do a great deal better,'' and there is every likelihood of one of the most exciting races yet seen on the ' riverBOTH MEN INTERVIEWED. Interviewed to-day, Hadfield said: : "Everything has gone well with my ' training, and I am in -as good form as I could wish to 'be. I expect a hard 11 race, but hope to be equal to it, and j retain the title for New Zealand." The j champion will strip at about 12st 51b, having put on a bit of weight since the ' last race, but he declares he ie in better form than ever. Paddon said: "I am aot quite a* well • !as I have been in some previous races. < II am satisfied I am up against a stiff ; J proposition, and if I win it will only be after a big struggle. If I have a good < day I shall expect to put up a great race, '■ win or loee." Padaon went on to say that he did not • like the idea of coming to race without ; having someone to steer him. In every i j other race he rowed both men had a i steersman. , There is not much wagering yet. Hadfield is a firm favourite, but the history : of big sculling races shows that more often than not strong favourites arc •beaten. Still the chances appear to ' favour Hadheld retaining the title, as he ie unquestionably in remarkable fettle. while there is some doubt as to the Australian's condition. The race is to '. start at 3.15. Casey and Sharp have both got the necessary backing, and will sign articles 5 to-night for a match for £50 a aide, to ' be rowed next Saturday. . Taddon had two good rows yesterday. Hadfield was out in the afternoon doing! light work and sprinting. Paddon. will .' not he afloat to-day, 'but to-morrow ' morning will put in a fairly solid two mile row.