SCULLING EACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9304, 3 August 1908, Page 1

SCULLING EACE.

ARNST v. PEARCE. United Press Association— By Electria Telegraph— Copyright SYDNEY, August 1. The sculling match between R. Arnst, of New Zealand, and H. Pearce, ex-champion of Australia, for £100 a side., took place on tho Parramatta River to-day. . Armfc won by three lengths. The race was rowed on tho Piirramatta. There were frequent heavy showers of rain during tho day, but despite tho dismal weather largo crowds watched the race, which was rowed on the ebb tide with a heavy fresh in the river. Pearce led the way «t first, rowing a faster stroke j than Arnst, the latter catching up with- j in tbreequarters of a mile. Once Arnst got the lead he had no> difficulty in keeping it. Pearce, making a stremicus effort, managed to get alongside, but Arnst easily drew away. At half distance the race was practically over. At the end of a mile and a half Arnst was leading by three lengths, which he continued for the 'next mile, when Pearce reduced the gap by half si length. At three miles there were two lengths between tho boats. Arnst then sprinted away, winning by three lengths. Time — 20m in 40sec. SYDNEY, August 2. I Arnst liad a great reception. He showed much improved form, and finished strong. He covered the first mile in. smin 45sec, and two miles in the fast tiino of twelve minutes. Pearce rowed a fine, hard race, and held his own for the first half mile. After that he was not in it. Ho declared that Arnst was a great sculler, and should beat everything before him. Beach, who acted as umpire, says that Arnst is the coming man. Them is not the slightest doubt in his mind as to tho coming champion of the world. R. Arnst, whoso parents reside at Tai Tapu, has won a largo number of cycle races, including the Dunlop War-nambool-Melbourne road race of 161 miles, in record time, and the £1000 Sydney Wheel Race. Although he had no previous experience in rowing, he was persuaded to try sculling, and made his first appearance in a racing j boat about two years ago. He has I reached the front rank of scullers remarkably quicklj'. Arnst is possessed of splendid physique, is twenty-four years of age, stands six feet in height, and weighs about 13st Sib when in iaoing condition. He has now competed in eight sculling events, winning five and being once second. His next match will be against W. Webb, the holder of the world's championship. It will take place on the Wanganui River on December 15.