Worcester Head

Event Details

Usually 6k downstream from weir to weir but once on the water marshals informed us we’d be rowing a shorter 4k course. It was easy to see why; wood had gathers on the bridges to form beaver like dams.

Crew

Novice 4

• Steve Henry – stroke
• James May – 3
• Sandy McGilvroy – 2
• Myself – bow
• Chris Downes – cox

Senior 4

• Mike McClellan – stroke
• James May – 3
• Steve Henry – 2
• Myself – bow
• Jennifer Smith – cox

Results

Novice 4

Winners of category in a time of 15.07. See division 1 results.

Senior 4

Winners of category in a time of 15.14. See division 2 results.

Race Report

Novice 4

A rocky warm up to our holding position left me feeling nervous about the race. Not feeling on top form due to bike injuries didn’t help. After turning for start we built up to a steady 26 strokes per minute. Whilst this wasn’t a fast pace the strokes were long and string and I could hear the bubbles running under the boat. The boat picked up its balance and felt steady for most of the race. I found my self leaning out to stroke more than I should and getting caught on the tap down but avoided any crabbing.

Chris coxed us well, encouraging us to drive hard and calling for burst every so often. I crossed the line with a sweat and feeling happy with our performance.

Senior 4

After an hours rest we boated in division 2. The row up to holding included some exercises an felt productive. I felt more nervous about this one than the first race as my knee was aching and my shoulder was sore. Jennifer set me straight and focused me on the race.

We turned for the start and built up to a 28 strokes per minute. We caught the crew ahead quickly and drove past them. Rounding the first corner we hit a strong head wind which caused me issues with squaring. Jennifer kept on at me to sort it; I struggled for a while but got it under control. I don’t think my techniques up to scratch for high rating into head winds. More pair work required I think.

Mike stroked us at a consistent 28 and Jennifer called regular high 20′s. We chased down and passed a couple of junior crews. at about 1200m to go the safety boat flew past us; the resulting wake nearly tipped us in. By this stage I could feel that my hands had blistered and I was rowing shorter. We gathered ourselves and I got into a good rhythm. The last section felt balanced and I rowed longer.

I crossed the line done in but happy. There were mixed feelings from the crew but I thought it was a good performance considering the number of outings we’ve had. We can take this result and work on our weaknesses. Non of it mattered though when we found out we’d won. Everyone’s spirits lifted.

Post Race

With a win for the women’s 8 everyone had smiles on their faces. It was a good day for the club and we celebrated together beer in the club house and photos by the river.

Its a lovely feeling when you see all the people you train day in day out with get the results they’ve worked hard for. It brings us all together and creates a good club spirit.