Maundy Thursday

Oarsfolk of Bristol, for another year CBRC’s Henley Royal Regatta campaign is over. Both crews were knocked out on the Wednesday by some classy opposition.

The ‘B’ crew entertained first, with a quick start that gave Belfast a scare, before the Ulstermen gradually edged away to produce a 2 ¼ length deserved victory. Rumour has it that the ‘B’ crew improved rapidly in the days leading up to HRR, taking all challengers off the stake boat on practice starts, and retaining their coveted title of being ‘unbeaten as far as the Temple’! The crew were pleased with their row and have enjoyed their season. Their photos and footage on rowtv always seem to indicate a highly agreeable, technical crew, but ultimately without the raw power to really challenge the best (although if wind power is what you’re after, middle four can always be relied upon. Another curry anyone?).

The ‘A’ crew raced in the afternoon in a clash with one of the favourites Leander Club. And the boys gave them a great battle, going down by 2 lengths in one of the events quickest races of the day. The A crew have put in an awful lot of time and effort into their HRR campaign and it was no fluke that they pushed Leander all the way. Many punters on the bank raised impressed eyebrows to see our boys more than hold their own, and in the post-race handshakes the Leander crew knew they’d been in a race.

So, some well-deserved Pimm’s and relaxing on deck chairs now? Roll on Friday’s social gathering! And what next for the men’s squad? A big well done to the whole men’s squad, for all their efforts and commitment.