Simon Mepham Mixed Marathon 2011

Hi All

Just out of the shower after the tell tell sting in the tail that could only mean the first race of the season has completed & what a race. Not just because of the results, more later, but because of the spirit that every competitor, cox & supporter showed. This was such an enjoyable day from the moment our squad walked out onto the decking leaving the mouths from Dittons, TVSC & Wraysbury aghast with comments on where did you get all these novices from. Looking the part in all manner of Club Colours thanks to the promotions from our Shop Steward, Stephen Russell, it's fair to say that the overall impression was jaw dropping.

When I talk of spirit I'm not talking about the libations from the night before that some had enjoyed but of the fact that the majority of the novices have only been training for a few weeks & for one this was only his 4th outing. And I have to say that I was very proud to see that the quality of their skiffing style was very impressive for their first race & will be able to be seen at the club when I show the videos that I captured.

A couple of our older hands commented to me how great it was to have all the fresh-faced & happy young SC members around, rejoicing in club success, not just for the wins but the fact that everyone had given their all & had loved the whole experience. So onto those wins ..............

First across the line out of our 7 novice crews was the now seasoned Russell's with a tremendous win on what was nigh on their 1st anniversary with the club. One thing that their experience gave them was the knowledge that the race ain't over 'til it's over & that the final drive for the line is essential as Lesley & Stephen, coxed by John Previte pulled off their win by only 3 seconds! This certainly gives our new novices something to aspire to.

Having started at the back of Division 2, our highly experienced Veterans, Keith Shore, Fran Kenden, coxed Dave Wright, powered their way through the pack to win their category in such style that befits a President. Leading from the front, this has to spur on the Club to bigger & better successes in the coming season.

So how else to round off a perfect day ........ a leisurely skiff home trying the new rollers out at Sunbury Lock & learning the finer points of going through a lock at Molesey before a well earned pint or two & something to eat at the Ye Olde Swan. The most baffling thing of the day was where on earth did Sangeetha manage to put away the biggest cod & chips I've seen, followed by a chocolate brownie desert & there's nothing of her. Oh them were the days.

Well done once again to some fine racing with a promise of bigger & better results to come.

Cheers from one very satisfied Captain.

Rog

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