WEBB v. TOWNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2142, 26 July 1907, Page 1

WEBB v. TOWNS.

United Prosß Association —Copyright SYDNEY, July 25.

Webb, the New Zealand sculler, is putting in good work for his match with Charles Towns for the championship of the world, to bo rowed on August 3rd. Tie is in excellent health, and is getting some good sprints ont of the now sculler built for him by George Towns. Webb has, however, kept the touts in ignorance of bis speed.

“Trident,” the well-known nquatio writer in the “Sydnoy Mail.” has the following comments on Webb’s stylo and work: —William Webb is a good sculler—better than- was anticipated Ho luvs an easy, graceful style, and a good deal of pace. His saying is long, and well carried to the finish. Ho sits up very well, uses his back to advantage, and supports his swing well with his legs, rowing a neat and effective stroke; and drives hard to tho finish of every effort. His steering is excellent and his pull very even with both hands. There is not much wrong with this New Zealander. He is easily a more Skilful sculler than was Hearn, Sullivan, or Stophenson—all of whom rowed hero some years ago. Whore Webb comes a little short of tho ideal sculler is in regard to the beginning of the st'roko—that is, on the catch. Ho spreads his hands to widely apart, does not swing down on to hi':; leg i sufficiently, and does not jump on the catch the instant, his blades are in tho water. To get this jump, a sculler needs to spring up with tho shoulders, get the shoulders back at once, and finish with the chest thrown well out. Webb takes tho weight of tho catch on his back, instead of his shoulders. Ho may improve in this respect, and if ho does, ho will be a tough opponent. Indeed, he is that now. When seated in his boat, he looks a much larger man than when fully clothed. Pie has a long, well-formed, and wellcovered back, set on good hips. Plis shoulders are well-shaped, powerful and muscular. His chest is deep, rather low from the neck, but packed with muscle. “Don’t look at my poor logs,” said Webb. Ho has poor logs—that is, they are small on the thigh, and bony on the shank. But he evidently has power enough to sunoort his swing, which ho rams right homo in groat style. Webb looks very well, and one can easily give him credit for being a man of stamina, for ho looks so, and rows so. There is no sign of nervousness, not the least. He will evidently row a cool, well-judged, and desperately hard race —and ho will need to.