Our correspondent reports . . .
Who organizes this head race anyway? Imaging arranging a race to take place half way through England's World Cup Semi-Final! At least the weather wasn't bad though.
Two divisions, two fairly even Marlow Vet B4-s and a strong and tough Vet C double in the morning, two B4-s and a C4+ in the afternoon.
This time the McCulloch B4- went past-well, half the VHORR heavy 4- re-arranged. Something to do with rhythm and zip again. And something to do with cunning steering inside a women's crew leaving the Pressling 4- slogging up the stream-big stream that day too. Oh yes, and nothing what so ever to do with the return of a certain welsh oarsman to Marlow waters (now rowing for Abingdon).
A better row from the Pressling 4-, now with Gazza on board, (more panache, more rhythm, more speed) except for the pairs: a full house of three. One had a number confiscated, another got swiped with a blade and the third steered into us while questioning the wisdom of putting pairs (and women's 4+) in front of a bunch of hungry, mean, not that lean, but in their own minds powerful B4-s with a point to prove. Stopping to disentangle ("so, why didn't we tip them in?"), even a wind up to the mid-30s couldn't stop the Cotter 4- from coming meandering back over the horizon and slipping past. As we took it off, the marshal could be heard telling the pair that if they hit another boat they would be disqualified. At which point they set off straight into the other pair, and were disqualified. They had left a hole in the bow too, so no tears shed for them. Despite disasters, great weather, good workout. And two pots too. About time.
A cracking row by the C 4+, fastest Vet coxed 4, only 4 seconds behind Junior's Abingdon RC VetB 4+.
"I know, let's do two 5k pieces next weekend" - anon.
BTW - Jim Cotter would like it known that he isn't a Veteran yet (only 25) but was helping out so that 2nd 4- got a row.
Wins
Cancelled due to flooding :o(