RYDE ROWING CLUB at NEWPORT REGATTA

Wightlink sponsored Ryde Rowing Clubs Sculler - Nick Pike, began his fourth defence of his Hants & Dorset ARA men's Senior Scull title on Saturday with a win at Newport's Regatta - and he was chased home by two other Ryde Scullers - Mike Jenner in second and Matt Allsopp in third to continue the Clubs recent domination of this event.

Mike and Matt then joined Ian Hayden and Stuart Johnson, with cox Jodie Cocker, in a men's Senior Four where, despite an unfavourable outside draw they finished second - although they will have been disappointed not to have won after a good showing in the pre-season head races.

Another 2nd came in the Ladies Senior Fours, from the crew of Jodie Cocker, Emily Page, Sophie Draper and Rachael Brimstone, with Bryony Reeve coxing - the crew remaining in contention up to the buoy turn - but finding the return leg more difficult in the blustery conditions.

The men's Junior Four of Callum Lowe, James Eklund, Tom Clark and Jammie Lawson, with Ollie Gove coxing also found the condition difficult and a lack of opportunities to train as a crew also showed through as they finished in fourth place, although it was an impressive first Coastal race for Novice oarsman Callum - and young cox Ollie.

Tom Clark stormed off to take an early lead in the men's Novice Sculls event but did not have the strength and weight to maintain his effort after the buoy turn dropping back to second with Ryde sculler Ian Hayden, uncomfortable in the rough conditions, in third.

Ryde Rowing Club's safety boat was on station throughout the event providing Newport Rowing Club with safety cover in a regatta which was only just rowable.

After the Regatta members of Ryde and Southsea Rowing Clubs adjourned to the Ryde Clubhouse and competed in friendly games of rounders and football on the beach, with honours pretty even, following which they enjoyed a BBQ in the Ryde Clubhouse.

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