Firstly, apologises as it is not possible to mention every individual and their results, so for full results on all our paddlers, please see the Wey website.
Impressively ,maximum points were obtained in both the K4 and K2 categories and we were only 2 points off maximum points in the K1s. High point scorers included Pip Ede who had 5 winning performances in K1, K2 and K4. John Drummond recorded 3 storming K1 wins whilst Imogen Collins collected 3 max points including a K1 along with Sophie Keay who also recorded 2 K1 wins, both girls battling against the strong winds to convincing victories. These paddlers also contributed to RCC’s point tally, by achieving promotions along with Rich Davey and Hannah Sealey who dominated in D and Kate Jayne-Coupe who enjoyed a very successful Saturday in Girls C. James Keeble was in 3 victorious K2s whilst Hayley and Amelia and Leander and Carl also scored double victories in K2. Mention must also be made of the fine effort put in over 500m by our “mums” K4 of Gail, Carla, Sabine and Tamsin – you were very nearly dangerous ladies, and worth 4 points! Stops were also pulled out by Tony Potterton and Paul Ralph who even surprised themselves by winning the Masters C/D 200 K2! Other paddlers in the points include Ben C, Nico, Amy and Emily – WELL DONE EVERYBODY!
Although Reading had a sound lead at the end of the first day we knew it was going to be tough to maintain this throughout the remainder of the competition. It is difficult to convey how exciting and close the competition was, with the lead constantly changing hands between ourselves and Worcester CC on Sunday as the number of points available lessened. Late on Sunday, as the weather worsened, the 1000m events were cut short to 200m. In the last few races, Reading scored a flurry of firsts. Charlotte Churnside was the surprise winner of the Girls C race. A powerful K2 success was achieved by Amelia Churnside and Hayley Blackwell in Womens C and finally Imogen Collins and Amber Owen put in a great K2 performance finishing second by 100ths of a second to an older Norwegien national pairing in Girls A/B, to continue Reading’s strong push to the finish.
We thought and hoped that we had done enough but even after such solid racing and top results, the Macgregor title was still close, resting on promotions and penalty points. Over the season, Reading received the most promotions of any club competing and the fewest penalty points of the top five clubs; just shows how important it is to have the correct number!
A huge thanks must go out to all who paddled and supported as every paddler point was vital – as was the vociferous cheering from the bank. It was great to see seniors and veterans who do not normally race at Nottingham going up to support the club and setting a great example by racing in so many events (and scoring a significant majority of the points!) It is really appreciated, as we know that it can be an expensive weekend. It was also a fleetingly sad moment as we reflect that those Reading stalwarts, Amelia, Amoret and Jessica will all be going off to University in September and their cheerful faces will be missing from most of next season’s regattas. Thanks should also go to our Team Leader Rebecca Jennings who managed everybody superbly and was only called to the tower once! Finally thanks should go out to Worcester Canoe club for being such great competition and making it a closely fought battle all the way to the end.
There was a fantastic atmosphere and everybody had a great time – including an epic BBQ on Saturday night, so if you want to be involved in a fight to retain the Macgregor paddle, put the 2nd-3rd July 2011 in your diary now!
