Failure at Ironbridge Regatta ... 1974

Stourport's six entries at Ironbridge Regatta last weekend failed to bring home any tin, but all enjoyed the day's racing.
Tom Edwards appeared in no less than three events, and was unlucky not to win at least one. Pair oaring with Richard Lloyd, coxed by Chris Reeley, Tom's first race saw Stourport beat the host club by 2 1/2 lengths over the 1000 metre course. Next came the first heat of Double Sculls, in which he paired with Eddy Mol to beat a strong Derwent double, who are bound for Henley, by 2 lengths. Back in the pair oar Stourport could not match Burton Leander's strength and experience, and were beaten easily, Burton went on to win. The semi final of Double Sculls matched Stourport with two competent scullers from Pengwern. By this time Tom was feeling the effects of three 1000 metre rows, and Stourport just failed to pull back Pengwern's 1 length lead at the finish. In the semi final of Senior B Sculls, Tom met one half of the Pengwern double, and repeated his previous race by losing through shear exhaustion.
Geoff Davies, sculling in the Veteran over 32 class was unlucky to lose his first race against a strong Ross sculler, though the standard of this event is very high.
Stourport's Novice Four never settled into their heavy clinker boat and went out to Cheltenham in the first heat by 1/2 length. Richard Lloyd racing in Novice Sculls beat his first opponent from Huntingdon by a verdict of easily, but then failed to maintain an early lead against a King's School, Worcester sculler, who came through to win by 1 1/2 lengths.
Stourport Boat Club's two entries for Henley Royal Regatta leave on Friday for one week's training and racing at this national event. The Britannia Cup four of Mick Edmonds, Pete Lashford, Keith Barwise and Phil Downes, coxed by Mark Cook have to qualify this Friday against Henley Rowing Club. The Wyfold Cup four Paul Graetz, Pete Lloyd, Tom Edwards and Richard Lloyd are through to the first day of the regatta which runs from Thursday 4th July - Sunday 7th July.
R. Lloyd Report June 1974