4th round of the Northern Rowing Long Distance series was held on the Wansbeck this weekend, racing over 2500m conditions were mostly good but there were gusts of wind to challenge steering.
First down the course was a composite quad with Hilary and Elvira racing with Catherine and Elizabeth (Hexham) W Mas B the ladies pushed hard from the start and maintained a good rhythm and pace. They were delighted to finish in 9.35 placing them fastest ladies boat and 5th overall.
Berwick then had four single scullers
Chris (Mas B) having not raced the single for a while was pleased with his race finishing in 10.34 followed by Ian B (Mas D) who consolidated his good scull at Tyne with an ever better race finishing in 10.54 and with the 2 handicap masters advantage over the younger B/C scullers took the win in B,C,D singles. Nick (Mas C) made his debut and despite nerves and lack of course knowledge put in a very creditable race of 11.49, Nick will definitely use the experience to challenge in future races.
Robin (Mas F) again had a solid strong race but could not pull back the handicap to the Cambois sculler (Mas G) who undoubtedly used his home water advantage. Robin finished at 11.29
The ladies composite quad then took to the water for the afternoon small boats head racing open on this occasion, the ladies knew they had to continue their good rhythm and pace from the morning to overcome Sunderland, a big effort in the last fifth of the race sealed the deal and Hilary, Elvira, Catherine and Elizabeth (Hexham) were delighted to be quickest ladies boat for the second time finishing in 9.13 and 7th overall.
Again, thanks to Chris for rowing the trailer. Off to South Hylton for next week’s fun.