Big Boat racing is back!!!
What’s not to like, the Splash, the Dash and the downright terror for Ana’s ducklings. The season opened at Tyne ARC with Hexagogo representing Hexham RC comprising Sue H coxing and Angus, Jonathan, Donna and Ant in the boat.
Race 1: After a swift footwear change the team struggled with the fact the handles were larger and orange. The stroke decided not to warmup and go down to the start as fast as possible. Luckily there was a lot of positioning to be done which gave time for recovery. Attention… and it’s a really bad start from Hexham as they struggle with the orange handles. Trailing the cox holds her line and with nerves of steel steers directly at the other boat. This works, the umpire is shouting down his megaphone, a minor clash of blades but holding the line works and Hexagogo takes the lead by a bow ball and goes for the line rowing like Duracell bunnies. A win against TURC and immortal glory was ours.
Race 2: Feeling confident the cox exerts control and a more controlled row to the start line is achieved. There we are up against a top Tyne team and discover there is a traitor in our ranks rowing for the opposition. These low level tactics work and slightly disconcerted we make a poor start and trailed home failing to live up to the dedicated coaching of Rob and Pam. Investigations are commencing.
Race 3: The team is sunbathing and regarding the empty boat, till someone shouts HEXHAM!!! Unfortunately Sue has decided to abandon us and cox Talkin Tarn instead. We shout for a volunteer and luckily Isobel from Tyne steps up for us. She swiftly takes control of the flustered crew and marches us down to the start effectively to compete against Cambois. Meanwhile Sue arrives back wondering where her crew had gone. A good start was made and we row strongly until we hit the massive waves when it all went a bit wrong and we needed to stop and start and our chance had gone.
A great outing for Hexagogo, we are pleased with our win and looking forward to Cambois on 4th May.
