SCULLING

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 48

SCULLING

TEE WORLD S CHAMPIONSHIP. BARRY VICTORIOUS. WIN BY TWO LENGTHS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, July'2l. Ernest Barry (holder) beat Harry Pearce (Australia) in the race for the World’s Sculling Championship, rowed to-day on the Thames. The weather was fine, but there was a moderate head wind, causing rather rough water at the start at Putney. It became a leading wind along the stretch from Hammersmith bridge to Barnes bridge, where the water was comparatively smooth; but the scullers again encountered choppy water in the last stages to Mortlake. Both competitors were in first-rate condition. Barry won by two lengths. The crowd was considerably larger than that which viewed the Barry-Arnst race on the Thames. Pearce won the toes, and chose the Surrey side. He led slightly at the start. Barry led by a quarter of a length at Hammersmith bridge, and increased his lead to several lengths at Chiswick Church. Barry finally won by two lengths. The towing path was crowded. Ideal conditions prevailed, a slight breeze blowing off the Middlesex shore raising only a faint ripple on the water, which was running at a fair rate, the tide being with the scullers. Both men were heartily cheered going to the stakeboats. Pearce secured a little advantage by winning the toss and taking the Surrey side. He struck at the rate of 32 in the first minute, Barry going off at 30 to the minute. Pearce, who was inclined to dip his sculls rather deep, led by a length and a-quarter at Craven Steps, Barry (on the eighth stroke after the staid) having nearly lost one of his sculls. When the Englishman recovered, however, he rowed with machine-like regularity; but Pearce had gained another quarter of a length by the time the mile post was reached. Then a fine race was seen to Harrod s, where Barry gradually crept up. Barry shot under Hammersmith bridge half a length ahead. Pearce became distressed, lost his form, and used his arms too much. Barry, rowj r ,o- a steady, ryhthnnca! stroke, took his opponent’s water. Harry was two lengths ahead at Thorneycroft's and three lengths at Chiswick Eyot. Thence the race became a procession. Barrv slowed down, and paddled home two lengths ahead. The time was 24min 9 15-sec. Pearce rowed plackily, but he was no match for the winner. He never ceased to persevere, however, and his brave effort was loudly cheered.