Henley Veterans Regatta, on Friday and Saturday 10th/11th July, saw only two all-Molesey crews competing this year, and both won their events.
A vetB 4- fresh’n’sharp from their foray in the Wyfolds at Henley Royal comprising Magnus, Karl, Runner and Telf; and a vetC 2x of Magnus and Runner.
First up was the 2x for Friday’s heats, beating both Bewl Bridge and Cambridge BC (US) comfortably.
Saturday, the day for semis and finals, promised four races, two in each boat. The 4-, the “priority boat” had two extremely easy races, against Worcester in the semi and Auriol Kensington in the final. Rate was down to low 20s after 2 minutes in each.
Although three of the four 2x races were also easy, the semi against Cheltenham College, written off as unlikely to be much good, turned out to be a gutbuster. A certain Julian Scrivener had been spotted at stroke, and we instantly knew we were in for a proper race. Dead level all the way and never below 36 it was only by reaching 40 for the last 30 strokes that we were able to grab the ¾l winning margin.
The 2x final was AK again, two of their boys from their B4-. Although the race was comparatively easy in very choppy water and a stiffening headwind, the biggest difficulty was trying to keep the animal behind me under control: having taken 2 lengths in 30 strokes off the start, Runner suddenly declared “I think I’m in trouble”. Nonetheless we were able to preserve our lead to the line.
Also representing the club at the regatta were Charles Bowman in a MBC/KRC/Walbrook composite vetC 4+ (who lost their heat by the narrowest of margins, one foot), Dave Jillings in his vetD1x and Andrea Gilligan in a Weybridge/Molesey composite vetD4x.
