Thank you to Evie (WJ14) for this report
Coming into our second national regatta of the year, Exeter rowing club had some high
standards to keep following a successful outing in Nottingham. The J18 2x with Alex (only
15yrs) and Sam had a hugely successful time trial and reached the A final. They tried so
hard to get a medal, it was nerve racking for everyone, even coaches Lorna and Richard.
After trying so hard they came 4th by half a boat length which considering the competition
was a huge achievement.
After this, Rhys was next in the J17 1x. He placed 2nd in the time trial by 0.5 second which
placed him very nicely into the A final. He had a lovely start and maintained his performance
throughout the race getting him a bronze medal only 1 sec off silver. Could Exeter achieve
more medals in the races to come.?
Next the WJ14 4x+, had tough competition such as Henley, Globe, Marlow and Bristol.
Henley had dished out a whooping in Nottingham 2 weeks before, finishing 6 lengths clear,
so Exeter were feeling the pressure. The Quad, coxed by Jess Creasy pushed hard in the
time trial, overtaking one of their opponents finishing with the 5th quickest time, making the A
final. Drawn in Lane 1 they started hard and held Henley to the 500m and fell behind slightly
by the 1000m. This put them in a great position for the second 1000 and fought hard against
Marlow to finish 3rd with a Bronze medal. Henley clearly shaken only won by 2 lengths this
week.!
The J17 pair of Fiona and Lousie performed well in their time trial against very stiff
competition, comfortably making the B final mid pack. The wind had picked up in the
afternoon and was making the conditions more difficult for the competitors. It was difficult to
see which lanes had an advantage but FiLou battled on to a commendable 4th place.
Summer and Lucy competed in the Womens Junior double sculls and placed 4th in the time
trial which was enough to put them in the A final where they finished 4th, just outside of the
medals.
All in all a very good days racing from our small club, up against some very strong teams
used to rowing at Dorney.
National Schools next, can we all go one better.?!