Rowing.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 134, 3 December 1910, Page 14

Rowing.

(By "Scull.") WEBB v. PEARCE.. The match between Webb and Pearce, which has been fixed to take place on. Boxing Day, should provide an interesting contest. Providing the men are fit and well the conflict should be strenuous and speedy from start to finish, and well worth witnessing. With the exception of R. Arnst, no sculler has shown more consistent form than Webb, both as an oarsman and as a sculler. His best year was in 1907, when He' proved himself too good for C. Towns, and captured the championship of the world. In 1906 he defeated J. Stanbury, and in 1908 beat R. Tresidder. An examination of his record shows him to have been wonderfully effective. It is true he was twice unsuccessful against Arnst, but he has the consolation of knowing that on each occasion the time for the race was considerably reduced. In his first match with Arnst, _ Webb did not row with his characteristic confidence. He seemed seized with an off day, but in his second attempt he forced his opponent with vigour and determination, and, although defeated, placed a very good performance to his credit. The ex-cham-pion has proved over and over again that he enjoys a struggle. When in racing trim he is in his element when warring against odds. Stanbury, it will be remembered, gave Webb his backwash and led for fully two miles, when the latter commenced to move up. Stroke by stroke he gained upon his opponent, and gradually wearing him down eventually placed a well-earned victory to his credit. In any collection of the fastest scullers, Pearce's name would no doubt be included. He comes from a sculling family, and possesses a sound knowledge of the game. His father was one of the old school in the sculling world. Australian opinion sets him very high, and declares that in spite of hiß reverses, and of his successes over Thoroughgood, Day, Mitchell, and Hagney, he never really achieved all that he was capable of. He is 32 years of age, sft llin high, and weighs about 13st. He possesses an exceptionally easy and graceful action, and a knack of imparting much "way" to the boat. His number of strokes to the minute is above the average, and owing to the ease of hiß action he can strike as high as forty-five. In hi 6 race against Day he commenced with forty-five, and approaching the half-mile steadied to 32. He is noted for his steadiness, and for the precision with which under all circumstances he maintains a perfect length of stroke. This accuracy, combined with determination, makes him a very tough proposition for any sculler to tackle. He was vanquished by R. Tresidder and subsequently by R. Arnst. For one rowing a losing race, he displayed, much grit and heartiness against Arnst. _ Notwithstanding his marked inferiority on the day he raoed G. Wheloh, , W. , Epgwell is again - looking forward with

the greatest keenness for another match, and if the New Zealander does not accommodate him he will return to Sydney very disappointed. My recollection of their last race prompt's me to note that Whelch passed through the ordeal absolutely unscathed, whilst Fogwell failed at that part of the journey when he should have piled on pressure. But since then Fogwell is reported to have strengthened his sculling, and is .now waiting anxiously for an opportunity to try and redeem his first failure. Another race between these two scullers would command much attention, ibut I have every confidence that the New Zealander will be able to hold his own. N.Z. AMATEUR BOWING ASSOCIATION. Can an oarsman who enters into the business of boatbuilding on his own account retain his amateur status? This was a question put to the council at its last meeting. The answer was no. It would appear tnat there is a_ difference between amateurs and professionals, just as there is a difference in the .style of rowing adopted by various clubs. But so far as amateurs are concerned the position is pretty well covered by the explanation that they are not free to roam about at will. They must be in spirit and at heart amateurs for the love of the sport. Weather permitting, the Star Boating Club will make a start with the race for the "Fitzgerald Fours to-day. Eight crews were equally divided between the senior^ and junior fours. Tne races take place in about a fortnight.