Thanks to Steve for this latest report from Ryde Rowing Club. Ed
Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Club competed at the final Hants & Dorset ARA Championship Regatta on Saturday (22nd August) at Southampton Coalporters Rowing Club on the River Itchen, in what for them, by their own high standards, has proved to be a difficult and frustrating season, with limited success on the water.
But results for the Club in recent weeks and on Saturday, where they achieved three third places, showed some encouraging signs that progress is being made and a recovery underway.
Ladies Novice crew shines
Their best result probably came from the Ladies Novice Four Crew of Lisa Murphy, Kate Whitehurst, Julie Cole and Abi Locke with Mick Jenner steering – who won their heat and finished third in the final in what was only their second regatta as a full crew.
The Men’s Coastal Junior Pair of Will Ford and James Smith also recorded a third place in their final in a close race – maintaining their recent improved form.
Ryde’s final third place was in the Men’s Coastal Junior Sculls where Stephen Johnson won his heat and finished second in his semi-final – qualifying for the final as fastest loser – where he finished third in another close race.
Didn’t quite make the final
Ryde’s other Junior Sculler – Andy Hicks also won his heat but finished third in his semi-final came failing to make the final.
The Club would have had another finalist – as the Men’s Novice Four of Joel Smith, Jacob Redstone, Ben Toms and Joe Groves with Austin Smith coxing won their semi-final only to be disqualified for an infringement at the turn.
