Tenby's rowing crews changed from their normal 'open sea races' last Sunday, to the more protected waters of the River Cleddau, entering three teams in the Llangwm River Race.
The small foreshore and village green at Black Tar, near Llangwm, was a hive of activity, with more boats than space allowed. Again the race was supported excellently, with many clubs entering more than one boat per race. Conditions for the race were perfect, with calm water, and only a slight crosswind to contend with, although rowing into the strong current of the River Cleddau proved harder than some imagined. The first race of the day was the Ladies' Race. The boats were launched and rowed down river to the start line.
Tenby ladies had a clean start to the race and were soon looking back as many of the challenging crews started to fall behind. During the first two-and-a-half-mile leg of the race, the ladies had to put all their strength into the oar and row with good discipline, as they fought against the full surge of the outward flowing river. The Tenby team of stroke Emily Boot, Debbie Jones, Pam Quinn, Glenda Hughes, and the ever- encouraging cox Tim Deere-Jones, rowing 'Oarsome', got off to a flying start, and on passing Black Tar they had managed to row into fourth position, closing in on the home team of Llangwm. On taking the buoy and turning the boat downstream, Tenby rowed with great strength, technique and determination, managing to catch and overtake Llangwm in what seemed an effortless row.
A special mention goes to Emily Boot for all her hard work and never faulting in maintaining an excellent stroke/rhythm for the rest of the crew to follow. An excellent effort! Tenby ladies crossed the finish line in third place - their best league position so far this season. Aberystwyth came second, with Dale finishing in first place. Tenby Rowing Club also entered two men's teams, with the start of the race seeing 14 boats all trying to find the best part of the river to row, and take advantage of the current. The team of Chris Terry, Nick Tebbutt, Gary James, Colin 'Ginger' Beynon and cox Tim Deer-Jones, rowing 'Summer Spectacular', managed to pull away into fourth position and hold their own, closely followed by Fishguard and two Llangwm boats.
The second Tenby team of Martin McDonald, Colin Jones, Chris Rice, Jon Miller and cox Pam Quinn, rowing 'Blisters', also had a fine start and soon settled into a fine long stroke, battling against the Neyland team. Once the boats took the final turns just off Bentlass Castle, they once again turned to face the full force of the outward flowing river. The first Tenby boat, 'Summer Spectacular', managed to find an extra gear and pull away from Llangwm, crossing the finish line in fourth, while the second Tenby boat, 'Blisters', held its position and crossed the line in an excellent 12th position. The winning team in the men's race was Aberystwyth. Following the afternoon's races, teams were invited back to the Cottage Inn, Llangwm, for presentations and also a 40th birthday party of one of the Llangwm rowers.
Live music, good food and plenty of beer was a fine end to a good day on the river. Thanks go to race sponsors Richard Roberts, of Tenby Glass, Lower Park Road. Next rowing race will be at Newport on Sunday.