An
inauspicious start… half the club entries rejected, draw not published until
the Wednesday morning, towing plans thrown into confusion, last minute
withdrawals, towing vehicle falling apart, alarm clocks not working, a spot of cold
overnight camping…
However, all
that aside, the WJ14/15 squad plus Alex Marlow and Will Purnell ventured forth
to a misty field in Fen Ditton. The girls had been cajoled into trying singles
and doubles racing in new combinations, new steerers etc.
Singles:
Falling foul
of the draw, Ella and Charlotte had to race singles at 0-eight-hundred (0
standing for Oh my gosh it’s early and hence the overnight camping)… the other
girls at 08:30.
Charlotte,
Katie, EllaM and Louise showed great spirit in their first ever singles races
arriving at the finish line dry and displaying good steering but each in second
place.
EllaK made
light work of her first opponent from Putney High School to set up a rematch
with the City of Cambridge sculler she beat at Oxford, Ella vs Ellen, very
confusing… the same result again, half a length to Ella. Ella then drew an
Amazonian Globe sculler in the semi-final. Ella was drawing back level at the ¾
mark but pulled a back muscle with the effort so went out fighting. (post race
research revealed that the Globe sculler won NJIRC back in March breaking the
British record for their age group!)
Meanwhile,
Will was being frustrated with opponents scratching and when he got to race
found the pace a bit too hot but was pleased to be improving from his past
races. Alex was playing it cool in IM3 1x winning by a foot in one race but
then dominating his other races to win.
Doubles:
WJ14 doubles
saw Alice and Grace taking to the water. Although losing, their steering on the
tricky course was exemplary and they were moving well together… bit of tidying
up of the catch and finish and some more oomph and they’ll be in front next
year.
WJ15 doubles
saw EllaM and Ceilidh partnering up with EllaM taking steering duties. Again,
MIRC showed how to row a corner well but the more experienced combination from
Cantabrigians led them over the line.
Coxed Quads:
The B Quad was
first up against last year’s opponents from Putney High School.
Initially MIRC had the better bladework but PHS had the more lasting power… but
a very gutsy performance from MIRC nonetheless especially from Katie at stroke.
The A Quad
then had the chance for revenge. Ella having retired injured in the singles
meant that Katie was subbed into the stroke seat for a second go at PHS. A faltering
start saw MIRC behind but several big pushes meant MIRC pulled away for our
first heat win in WJ14 coxed quads and a spot in the final.
The final saw
MIRC matched up against Cantabrigians who were confident after knocking out
PHS’s other crew. Cantabrigians had a quicker start and settled in slightly in
front of MIRC. The MIRC crew kept up the work rate and then went for a big push
at 350m. MIRC worked together and started moving through Cantabs causing them
to panic with crabs being caught. MIRC romped home to record the win and
collect the pots!
So five girls
and Alex got to take a glass tankard home but everyone (coach included) got
good experiences to utilise for the new season.
