PEARCE’S WIN.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12439, 4 September 1933, Page 4

PEARCE’S WIN.

ENGLISHMAN FOUGHT GRIMLY

United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. TORONTO. September 1. The world’s championship sculling race took place over a three-mile course inside Lake Ontario breakwater on the Canadian National Exhibition waterfront.

The water conditions were ideal, and there was only a slight breeze, which barely rippled the water as the rowers passed by the steamer Dalhousie City, which was lying just outside the breakwater, which, with the sea-wall, marked the course. The victory was as easy for Pearce as when he swept aside amateurs in other days. A crowd of 45,000 saw him pull away from the champion :n the first 25 yards and parade along to finish in a. great triumphant march. Plielps collapsed after pulling over the line lmin. 20sec. behind Pearce.

Pearce’s time, 19min. 25.65ec., is one of the fastest three-mile trips ever made in a singles shell. He had Phelps beaten before the first mile leg was over. The Englishman fought grimly to the first turn, but it was all he could do to stay within four lengths. His short deep stioke was raised to 34 at times to do this. Pearce, who had successfully protested against the proposal to divide the course by strong buoys, made no move to slip in front of Phelps’ boat and make him take his backwater.

The parade quickly became a oneman affair on the second leg, the same 28-stroke taking Pearce along as fast as ever. For 100 yards he raised it to 30. At the second turn Pearce held a 200-yard lead, and added at least 20 more as the champion made a slow turn. "Without let-up Pearce shot home. He more than doubled his lead over , the last miles as Plielps weakened badly.

As the gun announced the Australian's triumph. Pearce raised his band a dozen times to the thousands of spectators. Plielps received a more boisterous ovation than his conqueror. Tlie Australian, immediately after passing the finishing mark, drew his feet out of the shell into the water, and rested on his arms with li.s head in his hands. When Phelps ultimately drew up alongside Pearce extended an arm and the men shook hanks amidst the plaudits of the crowd.

The sporting editor of the “Toronto Globe.’’ commenting on the race, says: “The race a real walk-away by Pearce. Thus another Australian assumes the mantle held ir. previous years by others of his countrymen.”

Laughing in his shower as he gulped ale from a bottle. Phelps gave up his world sculling title with a grin, a few’ minutes after his defeat by Pearce. Phelp.s looked more like victor than vanquished, as lie received congratulations on a courageous race. Phelps said: “I’ve nothing to grumble about. The course was perfect, and the crowd wonderful. T was in good condition. It is another case ot a good big man beating i smaller one. Pearce rowed a*beautiful race, and deserved his win. If sotne one had to take my championship. I’m glad it was he.”

A PROUD FATHER. SYDNEY. September 3. The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Alderman Hagon, has cabled congratulations to Pearce from many friends in Sydney. Mr Harry Pearce, Bob's father, himself an ex-champion sculler, residing in Sydney, declared that he was the proudest father in Australia. He said while it was very hard for Bob to give up bis amateur status, he felt that the only oiher thing in the world to gain was the professional title, which he had now won handsomely. His mother is equally pleased.