Tyne United

The U23 Lightweight 4- crew of Jamie Kirkwood (Imperial College and formerly Durham School/ Cambois), Dave Jones and Jonno Clegg (Leander) and Will Fletcher (Durham University and Tyne United)… began their Henley Royal campaign as one of two seeds along with Leander A, a heavyweight crew with over 3 stones per man in their favour. Placed on different sides of the draw both crews convincingly fought their way into Sunday’s ‘Visitor’s Cup’ final, beating off opposition from Molesey, Dart Totness, Thames Tradesmen, Upper Thames/Wallingford, Mitsubishi Japan, Galway/Muckross Ireland, San Fernando Argentina and ANA/Swan River Australia. A strong headwind on Sunday morning appeared to favour the heavy boys and as the proposed 2.40 start was delayed by a champagne bottle bobbing around mid course, the tension built. After a ten minute delay the race began but as the lightweights surged forward through rough water into the expected early lead, two crabs temporarily slowed their pace giving them their slowest time of the regatta to the barrier by several seconds. Regaining their composure, the boys gradually stretched their lead further while spectators awaited the Leander crew’s expected response as they got into their stride. The headwind remained but the lightweights were not going to be caught, stayed ahead throughout and raced faultlessly to a two length victory and appreciative applause.

This makes three Henley Royal wins for 20 year old Will in three consecutive years, also three for Dave and two consecutive wins for Jonno. Impressive to say the least! More photos are on the ‘Gallery‘ page (scroll down to the bottom of the page).

Following on-going assessment since October, two TURC athletes were invited to final GB trials in Hazewinkel this weekend. After an autumn term of illness, Will Fletcher regained form to compete in the lightweight men’s sculling trial and Stuart McCluskey  in the men’s sweep. Competition at trials is notoriously fierce as established squad athletes, even Olympic Gold medalists,  have to show their form, while the younger contenders find out where they stand in the bigger picture.

Each event begins with a time trial after which the athletes are seeded into a/b, c/d semi’s then finals. Will’s heat placed him 7th overall in LW men and in the subsequent a/b semis he fought for a third place, putting him in the top 6 and a place in the A final along with two other Under23′s and 2 senior scullers, including Zac Purchase, Olympic Champion. The final follows this morning.

Stuart’s pair came in 20th in the time trial, a reasonable result for this recent pairing following the injury of his original pairs partner and back problems which excluded Stuart from the recent HORR. Both Will and Stuart competed under their Durham University membership and were accompanied to trials by Wade Hall Craggs, their coach.

Following finals today further crew formation will take place at Caversham this week, placing athletes in preliminary crews with an eye on the world stage later in the summer.

Kieron Emery missed trials due to injury and hopes to re-join the mix during the coming months. Its a timely reminder for all athletes at any level, that injury and illness are sometimes an unavoidable complication which must simply be dealt with even if it means taking time out to recover properly.

For further trials information and results see the British Rowing website.