Good Results ... 1976

The club's highest ever position at the London Head of the River was achieved by Stourport last weekend, when its youngest first eight finished 74th out of 380 starters at the event. Two other club crews also showed well, continuing the excellent start to this, the club centenary year.
With sickness and absence forcing various crew changes, the first eight went out in an hitherto untried formation of: S.Downes, M.Daglish, D.Gwilliam, M.Cook, F.Caswill, K.Barwise, P.Lashford, and P.Downes, coxed by Chris Reeley. Starting at number 81, they immediately began to show well compared to the other crews around them, eventually overtaking no less than four on this 4 1/4 milecourse. Their time of 19 minutes 53.97 seconds shows an improvement on recent performances and is very encouraging for the coming season. All credit must go to Fred Caswill, the captain, who had to step in at the last moment, rowing with severely bruised ribs after a recent bump in his car. Apart from Fred the oldest member of the boat is just 20, the majority being under 18. The second eight also suffered a last minute substitution which altered most of the seating positions but were pleased with their 134th in 20 minutes 29.16 seconds. Starting 109th they were unable to catch any other crew but fought well while being passed by faster eights. With four of the crew still novice oarsmen and another still eligible to row under 16 this was a good performance. The crew was made up of: S.Webster, B.Burby, H.Evans, A.Harris, G. 'The Link' Handley, P.Lloyd, R.Lloyd, T.Edwards and cox Chris Downes.
The veteran eight rowed above themselves to finish 276th in 21 minutes 54.2 seconds, overtaking three crews in the process. The eight has been an example to the rest of the club in enthusiasm and spirit, even going to the lengths of painting riggers and polishing the boat! Their success has been true to form and holds together oarsmen who have retired from the active part of the sport some years ago - Geoff Davies being credited for this achievement. Crew names: R.Eaton, B.Bailey, T.Cherry, D.Parton, B.Griffin, G.Davies, H.Hodgkinson, D.Pearson and cox Martin Reeley. Many thanks go to Bill Reeley who towed all the boats down, and to the club supporters who lined the banks to shout the club on, on this the most successful performance for many years.
Special Note: Club Dinner Dance this Saturday 3rd April 1976.
R. Lloyd March 1976