Northampton head of the Nene

Posted on February 25, 2008 | Filed under Rowing

Several rowing crews saw success at Northampton’s Head of the Nene (26th January). While the sun shone, conditions on the water were challenging with a strong head wind that proved tricky for steering over the 1,800 metre course.

There was success for the J13 boys quadruple sculls of Alex Russell, Ross McIlldowie, Wil Taylor, and Jack Steele (cox Dan Barnes), who beat crews from Oundle and Northampton in a time of nine minutes twenty seconds to claim their first ever pots. The boys then split, for the J13 double sculls, with Ross and Wil winning, despite being given a good race by Alex and Jack.

The WJ14 double scullers Natasha Bradley and Zena Tredell won their event in some style despite the wind and strong flow, increasing their lead all the time to cross the finish line well ahead of the rest of the field in nine minutes fourteen seconds. Unfortunately it wasn?t the day for the girls? quadruple scull. Despite a tidy row that bodes well for the future, the crew struggled to settle after a last minute substitution as one of the girls took an unplanned swim!

The J17 boys coxless quad comprising Dan Barnes, Huw Davies, Terry MacDonald and Tom Leighton rowing up at Senior 4 clocked the fastest time over the course, a credible 8:36, but were pipped to first place by a womens crew from the home club, after a handicap had been added to the boys time for the mixed event.

At Senior 4 Paul Hoy claimed top spot, winning in a strong field of scullers, whilst doubles partner Dave Lynes didn’t fare quite so well in his Novice sculls event, choosing instead to take an unplanned dip in the chilly river Nene.

Abi Penrose won in good form; 45 seconds ahead of her nearest rival from Guildford, in the women?s combined Novice/Senior four event. There was third place for Stacey Allen, Just three seconds off second, despite racing her first singles race against three scullers a status above her. These two then went against each other in the WJ18 event, Penrose chasing all the way down the course, before putting in a fantastic push with 350metres to go to overtake, Giving her the well deserved first place.

David Pollard and Tony Rowland rowed in good style, but had to be content with fourth place in the Men?s veteran D/C double sculls. David then teamed up with wife Pauline, for the Mixed Senior 3/ Veteran D doubles event, where they put up a fine sculling demonstration, clocking a time of 9:42, and coming 2nd in the event.

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