Marlow Head Sunday 25th November 2007

Guildford’s Women Rowers tackle the weather and waves at Dorney

After a change in venue for Marlow Fours and Pairs Head on Sunday 25th November, three Guildford Women’s crews headed off to Dorney for a shortened head race. The cut down distance of 1900m, from just under 3000m, proved just as demanding after the weather had its say. The wind direction, for a change, was down the lake providing a strong tail wind to help our crews race, pushing their technique and focusing minds.

Three crews took to the water; a novice women’s coxed four and a novice women’s double in the first division, and the senior 2 women’s coxed four in the second division. Suzi Boys and Hannah Lyons came down first in the double, a blaze of yellow making good work of the tough conditions. The veteran women, Penny, Jane, Celine and Verity with Haylee coxing, had a strong row fighting their way down the course with both crews being spurred on by their male admirers from the bank. You know who you are!!!

Both crews came off the water having survived the wind and waves with some relief, quite grateful to see some stable land and a hot drink. The Senior 2 crew of Annabelle, Jackie, Alice and Ursula (subbing in for Kate whilst she takes a look at venues for a possible training camp in India…???) with James coxing then took to the water. Almost immediately, the conditions had their say with water crashing into the boat. (Note to self – take a sponge in the boat to mop up any water.) After a short wait, trying to keep warm, it was time to race. It was really strange to see the waves rising and falling as the boat motored down the lake almost surfing at times! As the crew passed the finish line, after an excited last 100m following a strong performance in the first 1800m, the finish marshal was heard to say, “Well done, Guildford!” with an element of surprise in his voice. I fear the crew from City of Oxford that we passed at the 1000m mark was similarly surprised.

There were surprised phone calls and texts later on in the evening when it was confirmed that the senior 2 women’s had come in four seconds faster than our nearest opposition and as the fastest women’s 4+ on the water that day.

Well done to all crews, coach and supporters. I think that we can now say we’ve ticked the box for rowing in a wind, Pete!

WNv 2x             8 min 44.30 sec
WNv 4+                        8 min 23.31 sec
WS2 4+                        7 min 29.58 sec

P.S.      This latest result now puts Alice Poole 2 pots ahead of Nick Mills. Who knows what Wallingford’s 5km head will bring with both the senior men and women will be racing. Watch this space.