Mens’ Squad Report – November 2016

Men’s squad continues to grow. In the past 2 months we have taken on 3 new seniors from Exeter University, all of whom have been great additions to the squad and James has been particularly helpful with coxing even while limping around with a broken foot!

Continually getting 2 solid senior fours out for water sessions as well as a gradually growing consistency from the novice seniors, turning out for an 8+ most sessions. A limiting factor here has been the availability of coxswains. But c’est la vie and members are actively trying to encourage people down to cox.

New inquiries are coming through as well – trying to steer them into getting involved with the ergo/off water sessions for the time being while we don’t have L2R courses running.

RACING

For what was my first full club event, we had a great turn out for Gloucester Autumn Head across all sections of the club.

Senior men winning in both divisions and setting course records. The quad with a mix of some of the more senior Juniors and Seniors had a blistering div 1 result setting the fastest time of the day, but encountered equipment problems in the 2nd. (N.b. Need to order replacement grips).

Representation from the masters squad as well, unfortunately classic canal conditions meant they had a closer than wanted encounter with a barge! Sue is to stand close to the start next year for better photo opportunities.

Sorry no record of times/finish orders as no results online yet!

Unfortunately due to lack of availability no racing for the Novice men.

LOOKING AHEAD

Next upcoming race – FOURS HEAD 12th November
Senior men racing Saturday and Sunday, Junior 4x- racing Saturday.
Noted on the draw that the quad are boating from BBL and Senior crews are boating from Cygnet…query?
Racing again on the Sunday for Veteran Fours Head IM3 4+ x 2

TOTNES MINI HEAD 26th NOVEMBER

Would love to get the novices a race! Not sure if we have enough numbers for an 8+, too soon for a 4+? Limited by availability of coxes? Is having a small selection of novices to go out on erg evenings (master’s water evenings) a solution? I am aware they have been erging a LOT recently, so would love to get them on the water with more of an aim. I will email around again to try and getting some indication of commitment.

OTHER

Having noticed a lack of representation from DTARC senior squads at GRC Head, I am going to contact DTARC and inquire about the possibility of borrowing their Filippi 4+…if you don’t ask you don’t get.

Final little point, having come from DTARC where they were avid cleaners of salty river water off the boats. Would be nice if boats turned up to events having had a good wash and inspection before loading.

Ben Bryon-Edmond

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