Newport’s preparation for the 2025 season took another positive step forward on Saturday at BTC HORR, a 5k time trial race on the River Itchen.
The stand out performances came from Jake Garner and Nate Hamilton in the new Junior Pair combination. They snatched victory in a large category of 7 crews to beat nearest rivals, Southampton, by just 5 seconds.
The Novice Men 4+ of Eric and Jude Williams, Freddie Hollis, and Riv Szawiel – coxed by Mariana Hare – also won their section. The Women’s Novice 4+ of Becca Beaney (making her racing debut), Julia Coulson, Helen Hopper, Angela Whitehead – coxed by Fiona Brookes – were second.
A mixed crew, rowing in Men’s Masters 50+ 4+ of Julie Clarke, Ed Hopper, Chris Clarke, Harry Hare – and coxed by Mariana Hare – were just 3 seconds off the winner’s time in their category, finishing 2nd.
Ryde Rowing Club also competed in the BTC spring head on the Itchen river in 2 divisions.
In Division 1, Ryde entered a Junior Senior crew comprising of Issac Gibson, Joe Roberts, Paddy Kearney and Charlie Watts and coxed by Mai Read. They had an encouraging race coming a close 2nd to a crew from a status above.
Next was a Coastal Junior crew of Lars Groothuis, Yogi Ashworth, Lukas Georgiou, and Ben Robotham, with Ruby Read coxing. This was their 1st taste of racing this season after an equipment malfunction last time. In a strong field, they came an excellent 3rd which bodes well for the Regatta season.
Highlight of the day for the club was the J16 double scull of Max Locke and Joe Bird, who raced superbly to win their section.
In Division 2 the Club had 2 crews – a J16 coxed quad of Reuben Rook, Charlie Watts, Joe Bird and Max Locke coxed by Harry Watts. They also won their status against limited competition but still raced really well.
A Junior pair of Lars Groothuis and Yogi Ashworth raced in a competitive section where a 3rd place behind Newport was an excellent result for them and is encouraging for the season.
Also, on Saturday one of the Clubs J16 Girls, Alexis Owen was involved in trials for Regional representation at the prestigious Junior Inter Regional Regatta in Nottingham on Saturday 26th April. Alexis and her partner – rowing as a composite crew in a borrowed double scull and with no time together to practice – won through a very hard fought row off after a re-row to gain place in the team. She joins Ryde Club member Charlie Watts – who has been selected for the team in the J16 Boys Single sculls – to give the club 2 members representing the region.
