Mr Cox rowed easily over the course. A good race had been expected between Paley and Lee: the latter gentleman, however, was bumped in the Gut. Mr Paley’s rowing was so excellent that many were found willing to back him at evens for the time race, which was to come off on the next day. Mr Cox’s friends were, however, still sanguine as to the success of their favourite.
Saturday, Nov 26.—Mr Cox. having won the toss, chose the last position. The two men rowed down slowly to the starting post, to an inexperienced eye the finished style of Cox seemed likely to ensure the victory to that gentleman; but most of the knowing ones thought that the long powerful stroke of Paley would bring him triumphant the winning post.
A beautiful start having been effected, Cox went off with a dash that lessened the distance between the boats by nearly twenty yards; this relative position maintained till Grassy when Paley’s superior strength began to tell, and on rounding Ditton he had increased the original distance between himself and his opponent.
By a succession of beautiful spurts he had gained three boat lengths on Cox when he reached the Willows. Here Cox again came up with a dash, bt could not regain the distance he had lost, and eventually Mr Paley was hailed the winder by 6 sec. Time, 9 min 30 sec.
In conclusion, we must congratulate the founders of the Wright and Pearson Cup, presented to the L.M.B.C.* on the great success which has attended their laudable efforts to promote sculling in their club.
Mr. Paley, the holder of this cup, has now succeeded in carrying off the highest honour that can be awarded to a sculler in the University.
* Lady Margaret Boat Club