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On a calm, cold morning, the Jack
Pike Sculls event was held successfully at Appley for the first time in nine
years.
Favourites for the event were Mickie Jenner and Ashley Maitland who have
competed all season as Junior scullers, but Nick Pike has been seen on the water
recently and had to be considered a threat despite carrying a twenty second
handicap as a Senior sculler. Two other entrants who could not be ignored were
Ben Ade and Matt Allsopp, both competent if less experienced scullers and
without the benefit of recent practice.
Steve Bull got the five Junior scullers into a perfect line and the early lead
was contended by Mickie and Matt on the way down to the regatta buoy line. Ash,
known to perform well on rougher water, nevertheless would not let either of
these two gain much of a lead. All too soon Nick was also away and closing the
distance fast.
Nearing the buoys, and with Nick overhauling Matt and Ben, Mickie's preparation
for the event - going out over the course the previous day - gave him the
advantage as he picked up a buoy quickly and turned while the others overshot
the line. From then on the race became a procession with Mickie winning by four
lengths from Ash.
A Virus, or training scull race, was also held over an 800metre course from
Appley Tower towards the pier and was contended by two cadets, Sam Billington
and Ben Churchill. After a shaky start, Ben took the lead and held it to the
finish.
Prizes were presented by Jack Pike and refreshments provided by Him and his wife
June were enjoyed by all, including visitors from Carisbrooke Shipping who have
sponsored the two new boats for the club.
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