HANNAN WINS SCULLING RACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18015, 27 November 1926, Page 9

HANNAN WINS SCULLING RACE.

CHALLENGER BEATEN EASILY IN HIS BID FOR CHAMPIONSHIP. Per Frees Association. WHANGAREI, November 27 The race for the sculling: championship of New Zealand between J. P Hannan (holder) and James Mason, of Whangarei (challenger) was rowed on the Whangarei River this afternoon. Hannan winning by four lengths in 21 min 40 3-ssec. Mason had the option of position at the start. Hannan spurted and gained three-quarters of a length lead within a few hundred yards. Masoa. by a strenuous effort, drew level and then forged ahead, being lengths in advance at the first mile. Soon afterwards a foul occurred, a claim being made by the holder, who immediately resumed rowing, though Mason was then two lengths in front. The water became somewhat choppy and wind and tide being against the contestants. This was to Hannan’s advantage, his extra stamina telling, and he soon established a lead which at one time extended to six lengths. The challenger was obviously tiring Half a mile from home Hannan had the race won and, though Mason, by a last effort, reduced the gap by two lengths, he had no chance of victory. The winner was loudly acclaimed by a large gathering of the public.