The Club's Results

I was a fair way ahead of this guy at STCS so I was hoping this race wouldn't be too hard. I didn't feel I'd made much progess on first post reach so I stayed on a relaxed 32, cornered well, and then found myself with a substantial lead at the Plough. Coming onto the reach I thought I might take it up a nodge to break 8 minutes, but a lapse of concentration resulted in a shrimp and then I plodded home. The margin at the finish was 45-50 seconds which apparently counts as easily. Pleasantly surprised to record the fastest time of the day at this rather conservative pace. (Tom C)

I had no idea how quick this chap would be, and after yesterday's experience I wanted to keep a bit in reserve for the final. I kept him about on station for the first half of the race, but then he lost a bit of speed, allowing me to stretch the margin without killing myself. (Tom C)

On the basis of earlier results, I was pretty sure I would win if I didn't do anything stupid. I started cleanly enough and settled to about 1:56 pace, and observed that he wasn't getting any closer, so I stuck on that with some modest pushes on the straights. At the start of the reach I was maybe a second behind, so I tanked it up to 36 and did just enough for the clear win. In retrospect this was a silly race plan because I hadn't practised winding for the finish, it would've been safer to row my own race rather than watch the opposition. I'm a bit disappointed with the time, maybe I didn't push hard enough in the first 500. I reckon with fresh legs I can do this course in <7:50, but the schedule didn't allow me a proper attempt.

Very happy to finally win this event at the fourth attempt (although two of them weren't very serious). Thanks to everyone who helped me out from the bank, especially Emma and Alex. Rum all round! (Tom C)