Weybridge Silver Sculls

With the autumn series of Head races well underway and benefitting from a period of mild weather, Weybridge Silver Sculls made a welcome return to the calendar after a year’s absence for construction of the new Walton Bridge. A large turnout nearing 600 crews raced single, double and coxed J14 quadruple sculls over the 3300 metre course in three divisions.

A 14 strong cohort of Juniors, Intermediates and Masters from Christchurch Rowing Club collected a fistful of five pennants for fastest time by category. Matt Aldridge and Richard Quinn took the pennant in IM3 doubles with a time of 13:26 placing them 11th overall. Not to be outdone, Rob Standley and Mike Kelly in a time of 13:56 were pennant winners in Masters C doubles. The ladies were well represented also with Lizzie Lander and Libby Booth emerging fastest WJ15 double in a field of 21 achieving a time of 15:05 and perennials Faye Standley and Jenny Emery WMasters E doubles winners, first out of six at 16:16. Faye Standley had further success taking the pennant in WMasters E single going over in 17:34. There were other good placings in the top quartile of their events for most of the Christchurch Juniors some of whom are new to racing at this level and distance against Thames Valley and London-based clubs.

There will be an opportunity to gain further successes locally when BTC stage an Autumn Head on Sunday 27th October on the River Itchen, Southampton before Gloucester Head over 5500 metres on 2nd November.

Christchurch RC is still seeking new recruits particularly in the 18 to 25 year age group to train for the 2014 coastal season; anyone interested is invited to visit the boathouse on Saturday or Sunday mornings.

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