Sculling Match on the Parramatta River, Sydney, between Clifford and Hanlan, February 7.

Scarce c.19th engraving of the sculling Match on the Parramatta River, Sydney, between Kemp and Clifford for the sculling championship and £200 aside, which took place yesterday afternoon on the Parramatta River on February 7th.

Kemp stripped at 11st. 10 lb., while his opponent was at 13st. 2 lb. Kemp won the toss and chose the southern shore, which was the leeward side. Clifford rowed in his new Sullivan shell ‘The Centenary,’ and Kemp was in ‘J. B. Smith.’ Mr. J. P. Clark acted as the umpire. All was ready a few minutes past 4 o’clock when the men took their places. Kemp showed no intention of being left at the post, making several breaks, with Clifford refusing to answer or doing so in a half-hearted manner. Eventually, they got off equal, but Kemp quickly drew away by half a length, which, however, Clifford again made up. Before 300 yards had been traversed, Kemp had established a decided and serviceable lead over the Illawarra giant, both rowing at 36 strokes per minute and displaying good form. Kemp continued to push his advantage, and at Uihr’s Point was two clear lengths ahead of his opponent, who was obliged to take the wash of Kemp’s boat. Clifford made a great effort, rowing at 30 strokes per minute, while Kemp did so at 28 strokes. Between this point and the beacon, Kemp increased his lead to four lengths, rowing with an exceptional amount of freedom, science, and confidence, allowing him to rest his sculls momentarily and eye his already defeated follower. Clifford was pulling manfully, using his arms to perfection, but apparently lacked the use of his back, which cost him a considerable amount of speed. The times at the beacon were as follows: Kemp, 6 min. 27 sec; Clifford, 6 min. 57 sec, with the former leading by five lengths.

A stretch of broken water followed, but Kemp appeared determined to increase the distance between them, while Clifford splashed a lot in the rough water. At this point, William Beach rowed out and greeted Kemp, who acknowledged the compliment. Breakfast Point saw the Hawkesbury man six lengths ahead, with Clifford clearly laboring and pulling nearly 30 strokes per minute. From here, the race became quite tame, with Kemp taking control of things. When Putney was reached, Kemp increased his pace to 30 strokes, sending his boat along in beautiful style. Clifford quickened up a bit but only to show that the chase was more hopeless than ever. To the annoyance of his supporters, Kemp headed across to the Waterworks side of the river, leaving the smooth water. Clifford refused to take advantage of this move, preferring not to pull in the face of a stiff breeze. Kemp again settled down to 28 strokes off the Gasworks, with his time at this distance being 11 min. 40 sec, and Clifford being six lengths behind. Crossing the bight, Clifford, for the first time in the race, decreased his opponent’s lead by nearly two lengths and threatened to overtake Kemp, creating great excitement for the next two minutes. However, Kemp responded with a spurt and pulled ahead comfortably, showing he was holding his lead easily. Cabarita was passed by Kemp in 16 min. 35 sec, and Clifford in 16 min. 55 sec, both men showing slight signs of fatigue after 10 minutes of pulling. Clifford made another effort and reduced Kemp’s lead by around two lengths, but Kemp easily maintained his advantage. The times recorded at Gladesville were as follows: Kemp, 20 min. 53 sec; Clifford, 21 min. 12 sec.

From the original edition of the Illustrated London News.

References:
De Vries, L. History as Hot News: World of the Early Victorians Through the Eyes of the “Illustrated London News”.. London
1996.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 8438724
State Library Victoria: RARELTEF 052 IL696I
State Library New South Wales: RECORD IDENTIFIER 74Vv5Oy4wEgl