Tamar & Tavy Gig Club29/09/2006
Men's championships Newquay 2006
Another first for Tamar and Tavy
Tamar and Tavy men sent out two crews in the Mens County Gig Championships at Newquay earlier this month, a first in a championship race for the men’s side of the Weir Quay-based rowing club.
Faced with far kinder conditions than the club’s women faced two weeks earlier, the men showed tremendous mettle despite the last minute need to re-shuffle crews due to family commitments. Giving each other vital support and encouragement, the crews defied sceptics and made a terrific impression on the gig scene.
The Men’s B crew were drawn first and with a wide range of experience, age and fitness, but a uniform desire to row to the best of their ability, the crew came fifth in their first race. Cox Kate Reeves, stroke Bill Stacey Norris, Graham Hodgson, John Rogers, Steve Jackson, Chris Dill and father-in-waiting Mario Michelli showed tremendous spirit.
The crew qualified for the plate race, held its collective nerve while under close scrutiny from the umpire boat, and gave its best performance of the season demonstrating the drive and passion required at all levels of gig racing. The Men’s B finished sixth in the plate race and 58th overall in the championships.
Fired up, the Men’s A crew, cox Kate Reeves, stroke Ed Hillson, George Hillson, Ian Page, Matthew Pinney, Peter Clark and John Hillson took to the water with more passion than concentration which slightly detracted from their first performance of the day.
However despite some hiccups the crew clearly qualified for the second round beating a number of other more experienced A crews in the scramble for places. A slight change of seating plan and the crew rowed hard and strong over a longer course than previously showing the grit and determination for which the club is becoming known.
In what has been widely acknowledged as one of the most exciting and table-turning championships for many years, Tamar and Tavy A came 40 the overall, beating 20 other crews and significantly building on last year’s championship result.
The club is now moving into Winter mode and has started circuit training – 7.30-9pm, Wednesday evenings, the Sports Hall, Tavistock College. All comers are welcome. Run by ex-Marine and global endurance runner Nigel Jenkins, the training has proved to be extremely popular and effective.
For more information about Tamar and Tavy Gig Club, its activities, how to join and why, www.tntgc.org.uk.
Rowing in the square Oct 14 - Your club needs you Vote now! Rower of the year.
