Congratulations everyone for a great day on Saturday. This year’s Hilda Mitchell had grown in number of events – including a Beginners Tub race – and MAA had representation in 11 of the 13 events and 13 crews in total. It was an excellently busy afternoon on the beach.
MAA got off to an early lead and this then changed hands with Quintin – with wins for the two MAA women’s over and under 60s 4x, the Senior women’s 4-, the under 60s mixed 4x and the Development Women’s 4x (who first had to beat the other MAA crew in a neck and neck race – this squad has come a long way from their first ever go at racing last year when they were very soundly beaten by Putney Town). All crews in finals earned points and finally, with points level, it came down to the very last race – and our Learn to Row crew in Tub Quads (NB the learn to row course only started last month so they are very new indeed to rowing).
A nervous group gathered in the cold rain to see which crew would first come into sight – and to a huge roar from the balcony it was the MAA crew, who were winning by a large margin. Very many congratulations to Arun, Andrew, Ainslee and Henry, coxed by coach Nina. And well done and many thanks to their coaching squad, which includes several of the learn to rows from two years ago.
Thanks also to Luke (chief umpire) and Richard and Piers on the finish line. I hope you have now all warmed up. And thanks to Daisy and to Quintin and Putney Town for all their work in organising this excellent event.
Well done MAA!
Hilary