Dear Everybody,

With the exception of Josh’s win in J12.1x (more of that later) our sole victory was the weather.  On a day when some bits of the country got dumped on, the regatta was dry (a matter of concern to me, as we were on grass, and I do not have four wheel on my ageing – scratch that – ancient Peugeot 309).  

Milly (J15.1x) was second race of the day, which she won nicely.  Her second she lost, but not badly, and so she made runner up in her league event, and made the final (the ‘league’ system sets up a sort of round robin which guarantees juniors more than one row win or lose – the two finalists are decided by a review of the league results.  This is great for the participants, but increases the number of races to be processed, with the result that the regatta finished nearly two hours behind).  Milly didn’t win her final, but raced well, and, as her 500 metre times show, is going faster all the time.

Sophie then had a straight final in IM2.1x against a J16 sculler from Stratford (taller than Sophie).  Sophie lost by a length, but showed form not seen for a long time.  A good race, and she felt she had sculled her best.

And so to Josh and Lucy.  The regatta had decided that all J12 events would be open (i.e. no separation of the sexes), so Josh and Lucy were in the same event in singles – another ‘league’.  Lucy lost her first, and won her second, sculling well, but didn’t make the final.  Josh won both heats easily, and was a little more pushed in the final, but not much.  The generosity behind the decision is laudable, but flawed, as the result clearly demonstrated.  The boys are bigger and stronger, it is not fair.

The Stratford sculler that defeated Sophie was part of a J16 double, and Kate now raced her partner in J16.1x, and beat her, sculling nicely.  Alas, Kate then had to race Sophie’s nemesis in the final, with the same result, a good scull, but defeat by a length.

The senior squad could only find their way into the regatta via a mixed IM1 four, which is pretty upmarket for a group who usually row in the masters categories.  They were leant a boat by Warwick RC (a very nice stern loader Stampfli – and no, we couldn’t sneak it onto the trailer), which almost made the result worthwhile.  Alas, they met the winners in the heat, and (pace Harriet) their opposition were of an age to have been their children – and they could row.  

And finally James raced in IM1.1x (his oppo in J18 having scratched as his mother refused to transport his boat – don’t ask).  James has not been on form this week, and lost by a canvas to a chap he beat the last time they met (but then only by three feet, so they are closely matched).  He sculled well, and thoroughly excised the memory of his two capsizes at the regatta in ’13 (gee – thanks for reminding everybody, Lewis).

So, much good racing, not many wins, so it goes.