Novice Win ... 1976

A fine win for Stourport's Novice Four at Sefton Invitation Regatta gave the club its fourth trophy of the season in this, their centenary year, and their second novice crew win in two months.
The crew made up of John Timmins, Mark Cook, Lee Powell and Phil Bettis, coxed by Chris Downes were formed as a scratch crew for this event, and with a fine mix of experience, strength and will to win overcame two local clubs to win a straight final by some 1 1/2 lengths. Down off the start, they had to pull through on this short 600 metre course, rowing in difficult choppy conditions.
This was Lee Powell's first regatta and a fine baptism to the sport, and Phil Bettis was making a spectacular comeback after some 6 months absence, Mark Cook has put in much hard work for this, his first win, while John Timmins has made his mark at Salford University Rowing Club.

Other competitors from the club did not have such a happy time, suffering somewhat in the rough conditions. The Senior C Eight were beaten after a scrappy start while Mick Edmonds and Duncan Gwilliam both lost from mysterious steering.

The club is now preparing for the Centenary Regatta, a week on Saturday, being the largest rowing event ever to be held on the Severn. This two-day event shall attract oarsmen from all over the United Kingdom, with some exciting racing to be seen throughout the weekend.
R. Lloyd August 1976