SCULLING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 26, 30 June 1909, Page 10

SCULLING.

The Sculling Championhslp, ’ The third race rowed in the Dominion for the sculling championship of the

Both men had undergone a thorough course of training, and although Arnst was still suffering slightly from gastric influenza, lie looked' very fit, while Webb’s arni trouble had entirely disappeared. Both men had strong support, and v. " t little betting there was earlier in the day made Arnst an odds-on favourite, but just on the race even money was accepted. Wanganuites observed a holiday for the event, the town was crowded with visitors, and from an early hour the various points of vantage were readily sought. The excursion steamers were patronised by hundreds of spectators, while the roadway along the river was crowded with horsemen and vehicles of every description. On the umpire’s and Press boats a large crowd gathered, and bv 2 o’clock an anxious crowd had assembled at the starting post. Arnst turned the scale at thirteen stone three, and rowed in the boat in which he beat Pearce, whilst Webb was two stone lighter than the burly champion, and used the new boat built by Chris Neilsen. Every arrangement was made to keep the spectators acquainted with the progress of the race. At the mile and two-mile posts an official was stationed, with a flag of each man’s colours, those of the leader being dropped, while at the finish two guns were fired when Arnst won, while one would have denoted a Webb victory. The weather was very unsettled until Monday, when it was all to be desired, but heavy rain fell throughout the night. Tuesday broke gloomy with occasional showers, but the rain held off during the race. The officials for the day were: Umpire, Mr T. D. Cummins; judge, Mr T. W. Ferry; time-keepers, Messrs B. Bailey, G. Swan, J. D. Barnett and E. Perrett. Mr Tuck spun the coin for Webb, whilst Mr Parkes acted on behalf of Arnst, the former winning. Arnst was the first afloat, wearing all black and a silver fern, whilst Webb followed a few minutes later, wearing the light blue. Arnst appeared somewhat anxious before entering his boat, but both meh looked in the pink of condition. Upon learning the result of the toss the men were soon in position, Webb preferring the Kaiwhaike side. At 2.10 both men were on the mark, and without any Hesitation by mutual consent, like a shot ’ from a gun they started. If anything Webb dipped first, and straining eyes now eagerly watched the battle. Webb started at 38 to the minute, whilst Arnst struck at 36, and it was soon apparent that the ex-cham-pion held a slight advantage. The current was slightly stronger than in the former race, and a big gap was soon opened from the steamers. The first quarter of a mile Webb held a slight advantage, which at the half mile post h« improved to half a length, and although dipping very cleanly, he steered very close- to the ba-nk. Arnst’s blade work was rather rough, the left scull was splashing very much, and he had an inclination to go for the town side of the river.

It was now clearly evident that a most desperate struggle was to ensue, for Arnst was using a powerful leg .drive, and was close up to the leader. The hopes of Webb’s supporters were raised on nearing the three-quarters of a mile post, for, with very neat work, Webb maintained an advantage. Both men were now fairly set, and the mile post was reached in smin 15sec, with Webb rowing 30 to the minute and Arnst 28 ; the former holding a very slight advantage. The body work of Arnst attracted great attention. He was reaching well out, and driving home hard, but still liis blade work was not clean. On the contrary, Webb was giving a grand display, but was dangerously close to the willows. Under Fogwell’s direction, Arnst was now in the centre of the river, and at the mile and a quarter the positions were unchanged. The pace seemed now to tell on Webb, for in the next quarter Arnst took the lead, and, gradually forcing ahead, nearing the mile and three-quarters, held a distinct advantage, Arnst continued to press ahead, and, rowing at 24 to Webb’s 27, had put threa lengths lead on, and the two-mile post was passed in lOmin 50sec. At this point Webb made his most brilliant spurt, which brought forth loud cheers from the spectators. .Continuing at 30 to the minute, it seemed as though the ex-champion’s efforts were to once more make good his claim to the title, but Arnst's lead was too big. Again the champion went away, and five lengths soon made the difference between the boats. ' - -

The final streteh ®f one ran a-quartef miles was now entered upon, and again Webb spurted, and picked up about three lengths. The time now taken was lOmins 51 Jsec. No exception could now be taken to either man’j work,-although it was clearly apparent that Webb was Away Arnst swept at a terrific pace, but again Webb showed his gameness, and, rowing 30 to Arnst’s 26, closed up. The Wanganui-ites had now their hopes raised, for with every stroke Webb gained, and now only two lengths separated the men. The effort could not be sustained long enough, for the winning point was close at hand, and, with his long swing, Arnst crossed the post once again to demonstrate his right to the coveted honours of the world’s champion, a victor by three lengths, in the record time of 18min losec. Both men were done at the finish, and little wonder, -when such a time was registered. Without doubt, Arnst is a champion of champions, and Webb is justly entitled to the place in which his supporters hold him. To-day’s race clearly shows that Webb was not himself in the December contest. By no means is Webb disgraced by his defeat, for he rowed a great race, and his time is sufficient proof of -his ability. Sculling Handicap. The “ Post ” states that arrangements are being made in Wanganui to institute an annual professional handicap sculling race for a £lOO prize. The first will probably be held during the Christmas holidays.