In extreme temperatures on Friday, Maddy and Ebony raced the Aspirational single 1,400m time trial in close order. Maddy qualified into the heats, Ebony unfortunately narrowly missed the cut, as fastest non-qualifier. Subsequently we received some TT data highlighting Ebony was only 0.8’’ behind qualifying.
Maddy went on to race against Marshall from St Andrews on Friday afternoon, unfortunately catching a crab off the start she struggled to recover.
Reviewing the TT data, compiled by Reading University, Maddy should be pleased with her performance coming 9th out of 26, only 7’’ behind the winner Baker from Leeds who was also beaten in the final by Marshall.
On Saturday the Junior 4x of Lyla, Lulu, Evie and Martha paddled the course early in the morning to loosen up, their 10am TT had the biggest entry of the regatta with 47 crews, including 4 overseas entries, with only 16 to qualify. In probably their best race in the season so far, the crew came down at more than 34spm executing their race plan perfectly. Unfortunately, the crew missed qualifying by 10’’, a good result against mainly older crews and reducing the deficit against the winning Scottish JIR boat they have previously raced. Thanks are due to Lyla for subbing into the crew for Ava for the event.
The Derby/NCRA composite of Bethan and Heidi in the Lightweight 2x, had to beat one crew in their TT (out of the 5 entries) which they duly did in some style and progressed to the semifinals on Sunday morning facing a crew from Australia. The crew had limited preparation time and improved in each race but found the experienced Aussie crew too strong in the semifinal. In the final a very tight race ensued between Birmingham Uni and the Australians, Birmingham winning by half a length. (Lyla plans to go to Birmingham Uni next season).
HWR continues to attract the highest quality fields, it’s great to see County athletes gaining experience and speed.
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