Last weekend M1 stepped up to our first true test of the year at the Winter Head. A tough race along the bumps course that required both speed and endurance to set a competitive time. As a crew we went into the race slightly apprehensive, with the new crew having a decidedly mixed amount of racing experience. We were also unlucky to not have two of our regular rowers available: Lucian Comandar and Chris Radoux our strokeman. Nevertheless we were determined to put in a good performance.
Having awoken early (6:30 for myself) for our divisions we paddled down to marshalling in good time to sit and watch the other crews row up the misty river. Racing conditions were good with the weather cool but dry, and the river calm.
We were the eighth boat to set a time, so under the eyes of numerous crews we managed to make a blistering start off only 5 strokes, and Amy – our cox – quickly called that we were gaining on the Selwyn crew in front of us. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling the memories of bumps early in the year come racing back!
Thus inspired we quickly lost sight of the crews behind us coming through the Gut and into Plough Reach, although the Selwyn crew in front pulled away. Coming through Ditton Corner our efforts were rewarded by the cheers of a number of Sidneyites who had braved the cold to come and watch. Summoning our strength we pushed on down the Reach to the finish at Green Dragon Footbridge.
The standard of rowing was very high considering the composite nature of the crew, and the race was one to be proud of. Although our final time of 9.46 placed us 21/23 in our category it was more than respectable in the context of the event as a whole.
Overall the Winter Head has left M1 both enthused and encouraged for Fairbairns later in the term. Particular congratulations should go to Jimmy Lei, Nathan Curry and Lionel Dufour for completing their first race with the senior rowers in a very solid debut.
