Photo (L to R): Ben, Tom, Pluto, Hugh, John, Joanne, Mark, Charlie and Lewis
I just can't top the Masters' report! Congratulations from one old fart to a load of others!
The slightly less mature 'eight men in a boat' set off for Reading Regatta on Saturday morning expecting a trouncing at the hands of Bristol Uni. Everything seemed to be going fairly smoothly and, if nothing else, we looked smartly turned out. It was Tom's birthday so the advantage of getting knocked out early was the prospect of several sponge cakes and getting away in time for the footie. That's where the plan went wrong. We beat Bristol by 3 lengths with the fastest IM3 8+ heat time!
The semi-final was to be against another university crew but, fortunately, there would still be time to watch the footie when we lost. I sent the crew off to warm up by running up to the start to watch MIRC's Elite 4x, and running back alongside the race. Whilst waiting for the start, they decided to do their own thing, inventing sychronised lunges (Ministry of Silly Walks comes to mind) and other crowd pleasers! Unfortunately, in spite of our cheering the 4x lost to a rather nippy Wallingford crew who may have been sculling under a flag of convenience (allegedly ;-S)
Then our plan went wrong - again! We beat Bournemouth Uni 'easily' - and went to re-think our World Cup strategy. Poor Pluto's knee had suffered during the previous two races but he was determined to carry on, much to the dismay of the supporters of the beautiful game, especially as our final had been very inconsiderately scheduled for 6.30pm!
The thought of missing the kick-off must have spurred them on, as they raced like men possessed against Vesta, beating them by 4 lengths. Thank heavens it was all over! We could now eat cake! And drink champagne! And collect their medals! And watch footie! Although we missed the start, and most of the England match I don't think anyone really minded. A great day, especially for the four novices in the boat!
On Sunday, we stepped up to IM2, although Pluto had to step down. His knee was just too bad but he still turned up to support! Having made numerous calls to various people, we didn't have a sub but I managed to find one of my sons' friends sitting on the river bank who was happy to give it a go. He brightly said he didn't really sweep but, as he sculled, how hard could it be? As it happens, I have since found out that not only had he been to Junior Worlds, he also has a Henley medal! He was worth his one sweep point (which he won in a S8+ at Reading last year)!
So it was a scratch crew making it's way up to the start to face a bunch of schooboys. But never underestimate schoolboys, especially over 1100m where they tend to shoot off like rats up a drainpipe. Not fast enough though! A rather scrappy race but still a 1 length lead as the buzzer went.
Off the water for just over half an hour before it was time for 'hands on' again. This time against Abingdon. Rowing Club, not School though. They had turned up with their very shiny Hudson, in very bright and very new lycra, obviously expecting to wipe the floor with us. However, our crew really came together and had a superb row, beating their opposition by 1 length, again. Abingdon's coach was not a happy man!
Another half hour before 'hands on' again, no time to properly re-hydrate, rest or eat. I don't know about the crew but I was absolutely knackered!
Unfortunately, this was just one race too far and we lost by one length to a fresher Kingston Grammar School. However, as Kingston GS posted a time of 3.18 (the same as the winning Upper Thames' S8+), we're not doing too badly.
I would like to congratulate everyone in the crews for their enthusiasm, commitment and good humour throughout. Thanks also to the small but delightful band of supporters who carried blades, kit and shoes - and cheered very loudly!
After we'd had a burger and eaten yet more cake (carb loading!), I popped over to Henley, dropped in the entry form to Regatta HQ and drove home basking in reflected glory! What a great weekend for us and, more importantly, for the club. Bring on Marlow and HRR!
Quote of the weekend (from a coach cycling alongside the race): "You're only being beaten by Maidstone."
Lois
p.s. We didn't miss a great match :-)
2 comments:
Terrific Report, Lois. Can't quite get my head around what the coach meant though.
I think he was just incredulous (and exasperated) that his crew was being beaten by 'only Maidstone', the emphasis being on 'only'! Great motivational call - for our guys!
Post a Comment