SCULLING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160813, 22 November 1920, Page 5

SCULLING.

THE N.Z. CHAMPIONSHIP

HOW HANNAN WON,

THE RACE DESCRIBED. (By Telegraph—Special to "Herald.”) BLENHEIM, Nov. 22. The race for the sculling championship of New Zealand between W. Pogwell, of Australia, and P. Hannan, of Blenheim, was rowed on the Walrau River on Saturday afternoon. A large crojvd turned out to view, the race. The day was rather dull, and a strong wind was blowing down the river, which added to the current running, and made it a

SOMEWHAT GRUELLING RAjCB for the scullers. The conditions favoured Hannan, who bad the ad-* vantage of six or seven pounds in weight, and bis boat was deeper in the water. This advantage was manifested in the rougher water. It was unfortunate that a couple of mishaps marred the proceedings. Hannan touched a snag with a scull, but. the discomfiture was only momentarily, and did not seem to appreciatively affect his stroke. Fog well got rather a nasty bump on the southern bank, to which both boats were driven by the wind and current. 1 The contestants looked as fit as bands could make them. Starting themselves by mutual consent the rowers touched water together against a three-knot current and strong head wind.

HANNAN WENT OFF with the quicker stroke, and almost immediately established a lead of a couple of lengths. This order was maintained till the first bend was reached, where rough water was experienced, and the men crossed over to the southern bank. Coming over to the sandpit, Fogwell made for the live water in the centre of the stream. Hannan was still ahead and< both men had settled down to a long, swinging stroke, the New Zealander being a shade quicker. At Maori Ditch two lengths still separated the boats, Hannan having the advantage. Nearing the Wairau boatshed the New Zealander

HAD A NARROW ESCAPE from disaster, his scull touching ai snag. He momentarily lost a little ground, but speedily made It up again. Both were pulling bard against the wind and tide. At Maori School the current and wind, again caught them, and sent them , across to the southern side. Fog- / well, on the inside, got too close in and bumped a sand bank. This checked him appreciatively, but, recoiling, he set off to chase Hannan, who by this time had a lead of between four and five lengths, with half the ditsance to go. . At Watson’s bend, the boats were hugging the north bank, which gave them some shelter from the wind, but they* were too close in to suit the nerves of their supporters. Leaving the shelter of the bank they once more got into a rip and

FOGWELL BEGAN TO MOVE up. Both men had quickened their stroke, and Fogwell endeavoured to get on even terms. Hannan, however, stalled off every challenge and kept a good length to the good. On entering the smooth water leading to the goal, Fogwell made a burst* but

HANNAN WAS QUITE EQUAL to the emergency, and kept his advantage, and even increased it a' little. The last fifty yards was a ding-dong tussle, Fogwell stretching every nerve to come up, but Hannan passed the post first with a length and a half of clear water to spare, the actual result being a win by .two and a half lengths. Time 21minf 3sec. Hannan was the first to recover and return under the bridge, and- he was greeted with hearty cheers by the large crowd. He seemed to have more left in him than Fogwell, who was also heartily cheered.

FOGWELL INTERVIEWED, “It was a good, hard go from start to finish,'' said Fogwell to a press man after the race. I waa fit and well, and liked my chance during the race. 1 thought I could win. but Hannan proved too good for me. lam satisfied that the better man won, Hannan deserves bit success. I assure you 1 put him to a good solid test.” . Fogwell, who was manifestly feeling the strain of his exertions, added that Hannan displayed great quality and reserve power. He sprinted at him, he said, for all he was worth, but Hannan responded in a way that would not be denied. Asked if his mishap in touching the bani< made much difference, thi Aw* trallan said h© did not think that it affected the result of the race. . -