A short time since, we published the result of the match between Frank Hewitt and the American pedestrian Davis. Those who have seen the latter run while in this Colony were struck with two rather annoying tricks which he indulged in with his opponents. The first was the facility with which he always got away at the start, invariably gaining a yard or a yard and a half thereby ; and the second, a habit of looking back over his shoulder, and jeeringly encouraging his opponent to "Come on." From the Australasian we learn that he has been hoist with his own petard, and no doubt he is now aware that, however amusing those pleasantries are when the -perpetrator maintains a leading position in the race, they assume a very different aspect when the reverse is the case. The Match came off on the South Melbourne Ground, at five o'clock in the evening, in the presence of a large number of spectators, who watched the race with great interest. The course was laid out down the centre of the ground, the finish being opposite the pavilion. The turf was in capital order, and had been carefully mown and rolled. Mr. L. L. Mount officiated as judge, and Mr. W. Hammersley as starter. Both men looked in pretty fair condition, and fat what little betting there was Hewitt had the call. On the competitors toeing the scratch, it was evident there would be some difficulty in starting them, first one and then the other going over the mark, Hewitt being particularly busy in trying to dodge the starter. At last, after some delay, the pistol was fired, Hewitt gaining about a yard and a half, which he made good use of, as Davis was very slow in getting away. Hewitt led from start to finish, taking matters very easily, looking over his shoulder at Davis who appeared scarcely to make an effort to get on terms with Hewitt, as if he were disheartened at having lost ground the start. Davis has evidently a good deal to learn in the way of getting off before he could have any show in a race with such opponent as Frank Hewitt.
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Bibliographic details
Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 194, 4 December 1876, Page 2
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366Untitled Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 194, 4 December 1876, Page 2
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