What a wonderful day Exeter Rowing Club had at Bideford on Saturday, the sun shone brightly (reflected in the range of tan lines acquired on the day) and the racing conditions were superb. Exeter’s success was a result of countless hours of training, not always in the fabulous weather that we experienced on the day.
The day started well with the Mens Senior C fours consisting of Danny Clifford, Tom Zawalnyski, Vince Simpson and Jack Doble rowing to an easy victory over the competition both in the heats and final. The Mens Junior 16 coxed quad of Matt Johnson, Nat Bonfield, Ash Scott and Ollie Wickham, cox Kate Doble put up an excellent fight resulting in third place by only two boat lengths. As a new team having only rowed together a couple of times we wait to see what the future holds for them.
The Ladies Junior 14 coxed Quad Megan Hunter, Lily Allen, Ella O’Brien, Frankie Bonfeild and cox Danielle Stuart had a flying start and held on well to a tight lead until a shipwreck meant they finished third overall.
More disappointment followed for the Ladies Junior 18 Fours, Evie Drew, Molly Batchelor, Rebecca Vater, Bree Spivey and cox after a fantastic race and initial first place they were disqualified for crossing another boats racing line. Dan Wilmington lifted our spirits by gaining third in the Mens Senior Single Sculls.
Matt Johnson and Nat Bonfield had a close race and came third in the Mens Junior 16 Double sculls. Again the Seniors lead from the beginning of the Mens Novice Fours winning by 1 ½ boat lengths, a great row by Danny Clifford, Tom Z Declan Murphy and Steve Gibson.
The Ladies junior 16 coxed Quad Abbie, Kate, Evie and Ella came a close fourth after a good race. The Mens Junior 14 coxed Quad, against stiff competition from Dart Totnes and Dartmouth, managed to hold onto their lead from the start to win. Well done Edward Fuller, Tom Shipton George Copley, Ollie Wickham and Cox Frankie. Edward and Ollie also won the Mens double junior 14 sculls and Edward also won the Mens Junior 14 single scull.
Other successes were in the Ladies Open Double Sculls where and Bree Spivey won by a good boats’ length. continued her winning streak with a fantastic clear win in the Ladies Junior 16 single sculls against very experienced competition.
The scorching sunny weather took it’s toll on our rowers not to mention their supporters and four legged friends and we were all pleased to find some shade at the prize giving before the journey home.
Exeter Rowing club is based at Haven Banks and has 140 members It has a very successful junior section with its popular learn to row courses and with young rowers being supported by a dedicated team of volunteer coaches.
Both senior and junior crews will be on the water at the City of Exeter Regatta on 8 July . It is believed to be Exeter’s oldest sporting event and is staged in the heart of the city on the river Exe, along-side Exeter Quay. It attracts hundreds of competitors aged from 13 to 70 who take part in over 100 sprint rowing races along the 475 metre course
To continue to stage the regatta and to nurture talent , maintain equipment and promote rowing as a sport the club is always keen to hear from potential sponsors, who can contact the club via the website.