All race reports for Daniel Francis

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Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2003 -
Posted as: Daniel
Event Link

A slightly frantic start in which Sidney looked strong soon gave way to long, powerful strokes from the team and the other boat began to recede into the distance. A long initial push gave 1st & 3rd a comfortable lead and a gradual wind down "Down four... down two... down two" at around half distance led to a very gently rowed cruise to victory, to the accompaniment of the "Hi ho" song and much merriment all round.

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Event: Clare Novice Regatta 2003 -
Posted as: Daniel
Event Link

Very good race, really - after a VERY dodgy start in which Lilie was backing up to straighten the boat, the cox's (Daniel's) hand was up and he was calling to the marshals, and the yellow vest dude called the start anyway... The team soon settled down after a panicked flurry and produced some top-notch rowing.

New Hall had an intimate encounter with the bank and so the last 100m of the race was taken on stern four, with stern pair giving us the final push before we easied over the line (much to the lack of amusement of the marshals).

It was unfortunate that the race wasn't as gripping as the one before or after, but New Hall had some bad luck at the start and deserve congratulations for making it through as a C team.

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Event: Novice Fairbairn Cup 2003 - 2nd division
Posted as: Daniel
Event Link

Fairbairns was in some ways something of a disapointment for a very strong second team with oodles of talent, fantastic teamwork and a gorgeous and talented coxswain. A polished start and committed opening push led to some excellent rowing and a strong attack. By the middle of the race, however, composure suffered a little and the hardworking crew were unable to achieve the kind of speeds to which they had become used in practice.

An overall result of 15th and a placing of 2nd among the 2nd boats was good but not quite the fulfilment of the potential of a fine group of rowers who will hopefully go on to do tremendous things in the months and years to come.

Next term, of course, should be, well, marvellous.