DSPC Long Distance Singles report 2011

Hi all

Well whilst a group from The Skiff Club were off enjoying a delightful Meander up in Norfolk, a squad of 11 were competing in the Dittons Long Distance Singles event. With entries in 6 of the 9 categories, the stage was set to maintain our quest to stay in touch with the top of the Ormiston league.

Fresh back from the 'dark side' I had to graft to stay in front of Martin Roche as he made his way from the back of the pack, working his way through the Juniors to within a spitting distance of me as we crossed the line. Well that was if I had any spit left. Setting the fastest time of the day for The Skiff Club at 28 mins 47 secs, beating me into second place at 29 mins 13 secs, Martin deservedly took the pot for winning the Junior's status.

Another old hand at this racing lark brought Amanda Leach back into the frame with the 5th fastest time of the day for The Skiff Club at 32 mins 29 sec to win the Ladies Junior category. Amanda showed great form against another returning 'Dark Sider' Verena Diehl who only stepped back into a Skiff on Thursday when she helped to deliver the boats to Dittons, a very welcome returnee.

Now whilst there were 3 seasoned veterans leading the way & Brind, Verena & Valeria from last year, we didn't have to look too far behind to see our youngsters coming through the field. We had a great entry from Caroline, Laura, Henry, Dave (Stretch) & our newest 'novice' Robin. Whilst Robin has been rowing as a novice at TRC he was recently introduced by Valeria to the delights of skiffing. In fact he'd only been in a skiff twice before today, one of which was to deliver a skiff to Dittons on Thursday, his first time in a single!

It's fair to say that Stretch & Robin are somewhat competitive on the ergos at TRC & it didn't stop there. So the race organisers must of thought it a hoot to award the Novice Restricted win to Stretch, who had actually been overtaken during the race by Robin. Ah well a stewards enquiry ensued & after the organisers adjourned to the Ladies loos to confer (I don't know why) the record was set straight & Dave cheerfully handed over the pot to Robin.

So well done to everyone that competed today & lets hope that we can capitalise on the great start for the rest of the season.

Cheers

Roger