Saturday 25th January saw members of Hexham Rowing club trundle down the A69 to Newburn for the first Head race of the year – TURC New Year Head. Storm Eowyn had battered the UK on the Friday with a rare Red weather warning, but thankfully the wind had calmed for Saturday’s race.
Needless to say, the river conditions were ‘interesting’ for division one with some exciting waves, wind and the odd calm patches which kept rowers guessing what the next stroke will entail.
Division one crews:
- Op J16 4x- (2nd)
- W J18 4x- (b1) (2nd)
- Op MasE/F/G 4x- coping really well, having had a last-minute boat change.
- Mx MasE 4x- getting valuable race experience
- Op 2x (1st)
- Two brave W J18 1x!
Composites:
- Op MasE/F/G4x- composite with Tyne and Durham ARC (1st)
- W MasC/F 8+composite with Durham ARC (1st)
After a quick lunch, it was time to do it all again.. the weather calmed a little for division two race, but the waves were still a bit spicey for getting to the start. It was a long slog from Scotswood Bridge to Newburn in division two, against the tide, stream and wind but our crews battled through it really well.
Division two crews:
- Op J18 4x- (2nd)
- Two W J16 4x crews (1st and 2nd)
- W MasC/E 4x- (1st by 3 seconds)
- Op MasD/E/G 2x (all their opposition scratched)
- W J18 2x (battling through the waves)
Composites:
- W J18 8+ Composite with QEHS (1st)
- Op 4x- composite with Tyne and Durham ARC (1st)
Well done to everyone who raced, hats off to any crews competing in smaller boats! Thanks to those who supported, especially Roy for towing. Next weekend we head to Durham for Durham Small Boats Head!
Photo credit: Suzanne. More photos from the day can be found here.