Our first racing outing of the season and what a gorgeous day it was. Bright sunshine and rather warm for this time of year. I have been told that it hasn‘t always been this nice.

We have had a good start to the season in terms of training and the Boat Club numbers are healthy considering it is Rugby term. With 40 children rowing and most very enthusiastic things are looking good.

We had a healthy entry with 10 crews racing from singles to quads. The morning division saw the seniors in singles and the juniors in doubles and quads. Girls captain Kelly Hetreed led by example in a fine performance, gutsy and determined. Unfortunately she was just piped by last years fourth place at the National Championships. A good result and more to come. The senior boys were led home by Ben Stockley who ended up in 3rd position with Toby Johnsone behind and Steff Horner well out of it. Steff had an altercation with a tree. I was happy with how the seniors rowed and it was a good starting point for the season ahead.

The juniors also raced well in J15 Quads, J16 doubles and WJ15 doubles. The crews enjoyed themselves and it was a little taste of competition.

In the afternoon the seniors took to the water as a quad with Jonny Garrow on board and more singles and doubles took to the water. The senior quad looked rather well considering it was only there 3rd outing in the boat. They finished 5th overall which was pleasing. The junior 15 double of Matthew Powney and Rupert Jonstone-Burt were impressive and won easily. Other good performances from up and coming girls Vicky Parsons and Georgina Jones and again Kelly Hetreed were very pleasing.

In Summary, 1 win, 2 second places and 5th overall placing was a good start to our season and the crews look forward to continuing this success at the Fours Hd and Bristol Ariel Hd.

Gordon Reay Oct 2005

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