SCULLING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14378, 23 November 1908, Page 5

SCULLING.

CHAMPIONSHIP OP AUSTRALIA. THOROUGITGOOI) BEATS WHELCII. Press Associalion-By Telegraph-Copyright. SYDNEY, November 22. (Received Nov. 22, at 4.25 p.m.) _ Ihoroughgood succeeded in retaining the title of champion, of Australia by easily defeating Whelch, although the Now Zealaiider made a plucky effort, The race was rowed over the Raymond terrace course on the 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. Thoroughigood got the best start, and quickly established a lead of half a length, which was increased to two lengths before a quarter of a 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, TkoTonghgood dipping 28 to Wkelch's 7,2 strokes". Nearhig a mile, which' occupied about six minutes, ■Whek-h spurted and drew almost level, but Thoroughgocd responded and went away again. The latter was leading by two lengths/at a'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 Thorotighgood, who was still in the New Zealander's water, both being close in shore, had. his measure.. At this point Whelch, by a fine effort, pulled almost level, but Thorotighgood easily rowed "head 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, and, spurting 100 yards from the finish, won by three lengths in 20min 35sec, the slowest race for years, though this was accounted for by fact that it was rowed in dead water. Ihoroughgood stated that, if lie 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 oration for his pluck.