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The old men go south
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By Neil Lewis
Henley Veterans' Regatta, Henley. 8 July 2000
Hexham's veteran sculling double of Paul Jaconelli and John Mulholland usually races other old men. However, at Durham Regatta in early June with no veteran event, they became 'elite' for the day. It was thus that they were drawn against a Durham ARC crew whose average age was 20, one of whom was in training with the GB squad of Redgrave, Pinsent & Co. The race was surprisingly close; the margin at half way was only 6 feet, and at the end only two lengths, but to Durham.
Inspired by this performance the two waterborne adventurers made a long trip south to the Thames for the Henley Veterans' Regatta on 8 July. Their first race at the unearthly hour of 0850 on a weekend morn was against local neighbours Boyd and Marshall of Tyne Rowing Club! Our heroes made a good start, soon establishing a commanding lead they held to the finish.
Their semi-final opponents were Nassovia-Hoechst (bless you) of Frankfurt who had won their event at Henley for the last four years. The German double was just too strong and won, but only just, in a time of 3 minutes 46 seconds, whilst the other 'semi' was much slower. They went on to win their fifth final in a time of 4 minutes dead - so in national terms, just how good is the Hexham duo?
Apart from the intense racing on historic water, and the friendship amongst competitors, such days are memorable for the opportunity in this case to rub shoulders with, and row alongside, the GB men's four and other members of the Olympic squad as they trained. Since their return, J and M have done nothing but go on about it, to the extent that other Hexham veterans are already offering to clean their boat and carry their bags next year, trying to touch the hems of the all-in-ones of these God-like creatures as they pass.
Previously published by Hexham Courant
14 Jul 2000
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