Results and reports by Event

W2 had only had two cold and queue-dominated outings together before this, so no one was sure how the race would go. Filled with pre-race sweets, we set out on the first leg. We felt good coming down the Reach and as we rounded Ditton corner, we could hear Chrysa telling us from the bank that we were gaining water on St Cats. With tiredness setting in, a couple of crabs threatened to break our rhythm but we managed to maintain our rate and keep pushing, constantly getting closer to the boat ahead. After First Post, Cats were forced to concede the racing line, and we pushed past them, although a few seconds of crashing oars slightly interrupted our focus. We finished strong to the shouts of encouragement from the bank (thanks M1!).

After spinning and negotiating the fleet of boats at the lock, and boosted by more sweets, we set out for the second leg. This time we were rowing into a hefty wind which made the going tough, but it also helped us keep our composure. Second time around we were steadier and less rushed, Alex’s calls ensuring we kept the power on. Hitting the Reach, once again we had a target to chase. Encouraged from catching Cats on the way down, we raced on, closing the gap on Pembroke. Having forced them wide, we finished the race side by side.

Back at the boat house, as we discussed the race, Gripper came up to us and said ‘Division Winners’ with a thumbs up. Everyone in the boat assumed he was talking about another crew. It wasn’t until Chrysa told us we had to go to get prizes that we realised it was us who had actually won our division!

In all, it was a good day!

Hopefully we shall continue as we started.

Uploaded Tuesday 31st January, 16:47