Monmouth Rowing Club at the Tideway Heads
Last weekend, Monmouth Rowing Club took to the Thames for a fantastic two days of racing at the Eights Head of the River and the Vesta Masters Head. Both events followed the iconic reverse Boat Race course, from Mortlake to Putney, and saw our crews take on the challenge of the Tideway alongside hundreds of other competitors.
Eights Head of the River – Saturday
Saturday’s racing saw Monmouth and Hereford combine forces to field two crews in the Eights Head. The Hereford crew delivered an outstanding performance, finishing in 61st place, while Monmouth’s own Eight battled hard to secure 150th place in a highly competitive field. The fast and choppy conditions tested everyone, but the experience of racing on the Tideway was invaluable.
The Hereford crew finished in 18:53.7 and had a good tussle with Tyrian, overtaking them to hold off Tideway Scullers (who they beat) and gain ground on Thames G.
Stroke - George Fraser
Seven - Jamie Coombs
Six - Harry Guy
Five - Alex Astbury
Four - Oli Partridge (MRC)
Three - Evan Whittal-Williams (MRC)
Two - Al Butler (MRC)
Bow - Will Fraser
The Monmouth boat finished in 19:59.4 encountering many boats along the way in a competitive section of the race.
Cox Bonita (MRC)
Stroke - Elliot Lynch-Warden (MRC)
Seven - George Knight (MRC)
Six - Tim Male (MRC)
Five - James Stevens
Four - Sam Fuller
Three - Harry Dalrymple (MRC)
Two - Zack Jenkins
Bow - Richard Ray
Vesta International Masters Head – Sunday
Sunday brought the Vesta International Masters Head (formerly the Vets Head) and some glorious weather, where Monmouth proudly fielded three Eights across different categories, with some members experiencing the Tideway for the first time.
Full results are here.
Men’s F Eight
A superb race saw them finish 2nd, just missing out on victory but earning the consolation of being the fastest UK crew in the category and beating old rivals Tyrian and Tideway Scullers.
Cox Hannah
Stroke Ian
7 Nick Ho
6 Tim
5 Mark W
4 Alex M
3 Paul B
2 Toby
Bow James A
Women’s E Eight
Another strong performance saw the crew claim a well-earned 3rd place despite some last minute crew changes.
Cox Taryn
Stroke Louise
7 Liz L
6 Kate H
5 Sue
4 Helen
3 Fliss
2 MJ
Bow Bonita
Mixed DEF Eight
A solid row placed them 9th (with handicap applied), gaining valuable Tideway experience and laying the foundation for future success. For both Rachel and Richard, it was their first time rowing over the Tideway course.
Cox Gail
Stroke Eric
7 Ewart
6 Deborah
5 Darren
4 Sarah
3 Richard
2 Francis
Bow Rachel
A Sad End to the Weekend
Sunday’s racing was overshadowed by the tragic news that a fellow rower lost his life following an incident on the river. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and club at this difficult time.
Thanks to Our Team
A huge thank you, as always, to Tim for his dedication in coaching and preparing our crews, Paul B for the invaluable job of towing, and Putney Town Rowing Club for their hospitality over the weekend.
The Tideway always presents a tough but thrilling challenge, and we are incredibly proud of how our crews performed. Onwards to the next race!
See you all on the water.
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