SCULLING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 123, 23 November 1908, Page 7

SCULLING.

CHAMPIONSHIP OF AUSTRALIA, THOROUGHGOD VANQUISHES WHELOH. By Telegraph. — Press Association. — Copyright. SYDNEY, 22nd November. Thoroughgood succeeded in retaining the title of sculling champion of Australia by easily defeating Whelch, although the New Zealander made a plucky effort. The race was rowed on the Raymond Terrace course, 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 had been reached. Prior to this point the Australian crossed into Whelch's water, rowing ahead and giving him his wash. The pace was slow. Thoroughgood was dipping 28 to Whelch's 32 strokes. Nearing the mile, which occupied about six minutes, Whelch spurted, and drew almost level. Thoroughgood, responding, went away again, and was leading by two lengths at the mile and a half, the time being 9min 50sec. Again the New Zealander spurted, and cut the lead down to a length. It was apparent, however, that Thoroughgood, who was still in the .New Zealandei's water, both being close inshore, had his measure, for at this point, and again at 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, he won by three lengths in 20min 35sec. This is the slowest race rowed on Raymond Terrace for years, which is accounted for by the fact that it was rowed in dead water. Thoroughgood stated that if he had been pushed he could have improved the time a good deal. At the same time, Whelch was the best man he had yet met. The New Zealander received an ovation for his pluck. Thoroughgood scales about 13st, and is on the shatfy side of 35. He took the title of champion of Australia on the retirement of the holder (Tresidder). after the latter' s defeat by Webb for the championship of the world, and successfully held it against Fogwell. Thoroughgood' s time on that occasion was 18min 20 2-ssec; he won easily by eight lengths.