The Portland daily press., 1878-08-16
SPORTING NEWS.
The Regatta at Silver Lake.
Frenchy JOnsOn Wins the ScuII
Race for Professionals.

BOSTON, Aug. 15-The Silver Lake regatta
this afternoon proved one of the most interest.
ing events ever witnessed in these waters
Three trains were run from this city by the Old
Colony railroad conveying over 5000 persons to
the Lake besides those from adjacent towns
swelling the number of spectators to at least
10000.
The first race was an amateur single scull,
three miles, with turn, for the championship
OF New England and gold medal. Of the 10
entries seven drew into line and started.
Holmes of Portsmouth took the lead at the
start and gradually increased it to the stake
which he turned four lengths ahead of Reagan
(of West End Club, Boston) who led Hough-
ton Union Club, Boston, about the same dis
lance. The latter then made desperate strug-
gle and soon took second place and gradually re
duced the gap between himself and Holmes.
The race for the last half mile between these
two was close and exciting, one-quarter of a
mile from the finish the boats tapping. Holmes
then spurtsd and opened gap Of length,
crossing the line in q. 81 Houghton % o.
The amateur skies for New England cham
pionship, gold medal and flag, City Point
Shawmut and Narragausett of Providence
started in the order named The latter crew
made fine start and soon took the lead, pull
ing "a to the minute in fine form and with q
power that carried them steadily to the front.
notwithstanding their opponents were pulling
q much faster stroke. When mile up, the
Narragansetts still pulling "a, were six lengths
ahead of the City Point crew, who were rowing
40 strokes to the minute. The Shawmuts were
four lengths behind the City Points, and were
rowing in holiday style about 38 to the minute.
The Narragansetts turned the stakeboat seven
lengths ahead, the City Points, who made a
poor turn, losing several lengths. After the
Shawmnts had made their turn the captain
rallied them and they made sierra chase after
the City Points, catching them when three
quarters of mile from home and then leaving
them behind. The Narragansetts easily kept
the lead and crossed the line in l6 AZ, Shaw.
NUTS 19a, City Points 10 45.
The greatest interest of the day conferred in
the single scull professional race, three miles
with turn, for purse of $500, divided, $3.50 to
first, $3.50 to second. Of the ten entries five
started, having the following positions: Court
Frenchy johnson fourth, Sullivan fifth. At
the word Riley took water first and jumped
half length ahead, holding the lead for fifty
yards, when johnson, who put on powerful
squirt, pulled up even. Riley and Courtney
well in shore were pulling side by side much
mile from the start johnson, who had gained
q lead on Ward crossed his bow and pulled
over to Riley, and for the next half nile made
his pace very fast and at three-quarters of a
Riley aud Joboson were in bunch again az
the mile with Ward and Sullivan in the rear.
johnson again spurted and forged to the front
with Riley second, Courtney length behind.
As they neared the stake bOst5 johnson ap-
peared tagged out, but when he had turned put
on tremendous burst of speed, rowing forty
strokes to the minute. Riley reached his stake
second four lengths behind johnson. Riley
was rowing but 26 strokes: Courtney turned
third length behind Riley. Ward made a
good turn and spurted up to SO, closing upon
Courtney. The latter suddenly ceased rowin G..
johnson still kept pulling terrific pace and at
q mile from the finish led Riley several lengths,
Ward four lengths behind Riley. From this
point to the finish the race for the first place
between johnson and Riley was most exciting
the latter quickening hsstroke and lesssning
the gap until the spectators thought he would
surely reach and pass his opponent, but john
son responded squirt for squirt and crossed the
line length and half ahead IN 81 10, Riley
21.36, Ward % Al. Courtney and Sullivan
no time taken. Great surprise was expressed
at the poor showing made by Courtney. On re-
turn to the referees boat it was learned that
Courtney had been taken suddenly Ill and
would have fallen from his boat but for timely
assistance.
The four-oared working boat concluded the
days sport. three miles with turn-prizes
$125 and $75. Five started. Lakeman crew
woD easily in 19.3Oa, Ward-Butler second in
1882.