Cambridge Autumn Regatta - 2013

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.