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Close Encounters for Hexham Rowers
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By Jane Upstill-Goddard
Members of Hexham Rowing Club had a successful outing at Tees Regatta in Stockton last Saturday, winning four events, three of them by the narrowest of margins. Paul Jaconelli, David Brown, Mark Christer, Simon Aitkenhead and cox Ian Brown competed as a men’s veteran four against Chester-le-Street in the closest –fought event of the day. All the hard training that the Hexham crew had been putting in for the past several weeks was clearly crucial, as in the end they won by little more than a foot! Who said rowing is not a spectator sport? A veteran novice mens four were on the water shortly afterward. After only a handful of training sessions they found themselves in their first-ever race against a younger Tees crew. Tees led from the start but confident cox Ian Brown, keen to secure his second victory of the day, urged the crew on. As Hexham supporters shouted encouragement, Bob Manning, Rob Upstill-Goddard, Quentin Campbell and George Doody switched into overdrive and edged past the Tees crew in the final 50 metres. The crews had to await an umpire’s adjudication, which awarded the race to Hexham. Not to be outdone, the ladies veteran double scull crew of Anita Shepley and Jane Upstill-Goddard had a close win over Durham ARC. For Anita this was her first competitive race. Despite trailing Durham from the start, Hexham managed to call up extra reserves in the final stages, spurred on by the enthusiastic shouts from the quayside that let them know that they were in with a chance. The final success of the day went to club captain John Mulholland racing in a composite eight comprising rowers from Tyne Rowing Club, the University of Northumbria and Ponteland High School. They gave an accomplished performance, cruising past the finish in convincing style.
We would like to thank the organisers at Tees ARC for what turned out to be a fantastic day out for all, the party atmosphere helped along by the hot weather and good rowing conditions. We hope that Hexham can emulate this success as we prepare for our own regatta this Saturday. A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes and we hope to build on our recent successes. Come along and give your support to the blue and gold lycra-clad crews of Hexham. It could make all the difference.
Previously published by Hexham Courant
31 May 2003
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