SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19527, 9 July 1925, Page 10

SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

HANNAN’S FAILURE. “BETTER MAN WON.” SYDNEY PAPERS’ COMikENTS. (From Otj.b Own Correspondent.) ■ SYDNEY, July 3. The task of the young Sydney sculler, Major Goodsell, in successfully defending his title of world’s champion sculler against the New Zealander, "Paddy” Hannan, on the Parramatta River Inst Saturday afternoon was an easy one. "Weighing half a stone less than Hannan’s 12st, Goodsell made the pace a. cracker from the start. At one time ho was 10 lengths in front, and rowing a very confident race, won by three lengths, the margin being reduced at the finish by a determined and plucky chase by Hannan. Undoubtedly Goodscll’s work was made easier by an intimate knowledge of the river’s intricacies. Time and time again, ho crossed from one side to the other to take advantage of the cnrrentn, in which his trainer, George Towns, the former champion, had thoroughly coached him. And no man knows more about the Parramatta than Towns. All the papers, while admitting that the more finished sculler won, paid generous tribute to Hannan’s gameness. Thus the veteran "Argus,” of the Referee, wrote: “It was a oa.se of youth being served. Goodsell, who has the superior stylo and the greater pace, apparently was never fully extended after the first mile—or less. no, furthermore, displayed great confidence. Of the loser, it must bo admitted that he went right through to the finish with great gameness. His style was move that of an oarsman, or a heavy boat-puller, than a sculler in best boats. A little more time in his new boat and over the course, would perhaps, have improved his chance, but he could not have won in any circumstances.” The Sunday Sun critic said; "It was a most interesting race, but the youth, science, and condition of Major Goodsell proved too good for the strong, determined, and not so polished sculler from across the Tasman. Hannan certainly did not disgrace himself.” Bill Beach, the unbeaten champion when he retired in IAS7, is still hale and hearty despite his 7.3 years. He umpired the race on Saturday and after it, said: “Hannan was outpaced from the start, but pulled a. pluckv stern cha.se. Goodsell displayed very fair form, while Hannan caused his boat to bury at the bow by shooting the slides.” Jim Stansbury, another former champion, also witnssed the race from the official launch, and ho expressed the opinion that Hannan was not up to world’s championship form. Happiest of all on the official boat was a fair, slim young woman fondling a baby— Geedsell's wife, with their baby girl. “I knew he’d win,” she said, “I know he would. I’m that proud.—you know how I feel ? But poor baby doesn’t know what it’s all about. What a shame!” “Major,” by the way, is not a military title, as even many Sydney people think, but a Christian name.