SCULLING

NZ Truth, Issue 946, 12 January 1924, Page 11

SCULLING

MeDEVITT v. HANNAN.

On Saturday next, the 19th inst., W. McDevUt, the ex-Tasmanlan, and present champion sculler of N.S.W., Is to row 1 J. P. Hannan, of Blenheim, on the Waitemata for a, purse of £500. The race is not likely to create a great amount of interest, as the result appears to be a foregono conclusion. If McDevUt is at his be*t and does himself Justice on the day he should have no difficulty m winning. Up to the present Hannan hat done nothing to make him appear even a good second rater. True, he got a decision over Alf Felton at Nelson, but the Australian was then m no sort of condition for a race. Webb made a hack of Hannan when they met. and Arnst also beat the Blenheim man with the greatest of ease, though obviously then well on the down grade, Hannan has one big asset, and that is confidence In hl« own ability. Ho (a -aiao strong and Same, and can bo depended upon to row a hard, dogged race. If McDeviti is not properly fit Paddy may wear him down, but the chances are All In favor of the Australian, much as Kcw Zealanders would like to see Hannan win. .

Thono Is a chanco that whatever the result of the forthcoming nice other matches will follow. It would be Interesting to ace Darcy Had Held meet the winner, and It m possible that such a racp will be arranged. There nre many who hold the view that Hadfield is tho next beet man In the world to Pnddon, and trust that the AuckJnndor h«« not retired from the game for good and &H. Up Wnnganul way there would bo plenty of money to back Btlly Webb QgnlnHt any of the prem»nt dny sculler*. excej»U perhnpi*. raijdon, If tin* aschampion i^art-d to Miter the llfltHrtguin. When l*addon and Hadtlold were inUnInjf on tho Wang unit W«?Kh Khnw*»d thui ho'U'UA still »» finuv'fuj a »cuik<r a« ever, nnd tho pave ho dUptuyed uurprL»ed everybody.