The first league rowing race of the season took place at Fishguard on Sunday. It was a truly Welsh start to the day with relentless rain and unforgiving wind and it looked as if the race at first could be cancelled. However by midday, 22 other longboats from about 18 different clubs all around Wales, including Anglesey, Aberystwyth and Tenby, plus many more arrived to take part. As the teams waited for the tide to fill up the picturesque bay, the weather worsened, with rain hitting harder and the wind picking up in power, the teams were not disheartened. It was announced that the men's category would race at 2.30 and then women, junior and mixed would take place in turn after each other. Twenty-two boats in all, including one gig and not including two smaller yoles, entered the men's category. They began to row the mile to reach the start. Once the officials of the race were satisfied with the line-up of boats (which took at least 30 minutes of waiting in wind and rain), the boats were under starting orders. Tenby Sharks (Cox Tim Deere-Jones, Stroke Frank Miller, Nick Tebbutt, Gary James and Martin McDonald) made up the men's vets for Tenby. They had a course of 4K with two buoy turns as well as being surrounded by 22 other boats. The fog horn sounded the start of the race and chaos ensued as 18 Celtic longboats clashed oars, rammed each other and hit the full force of the elements to gain crucial position at the start of the race. Unfortunately, Tenby took a couple of minor hits by boats, which will remain nameless and clashed oars with other boats who took up there water space. Tenby Sharks were last out of the 22 boats at the start the race and it was not the start the Sharks were looking for. However, the Sharks were not going to give up and crawl in last, with excellent coxing from Tim and pure endurance from the team, they started to pull through and overtake boats and gain position. Ynys Môn, and the home teams Fishguard vets were amongst the boats taken in by Tenby. Many other boats were overtaken giving the Sharks seventh place - an excellent come back! The first buoy turn quickly approached with Llangwm two boat lengths ahead. A text book buoy turn was executed by Tim, and as the team straightened up and gave it 20 hard strokes, they soon left Llangwm in their wake. The second buoy turn was again executed with precision and the final sprint into the harbour would need endurance, speed and stamina (ESS). It soon became apparent that Tenby Sharks would be defending fifth place against Llangwm and Ynys Môn who were gaining ground behind them. Tenby however remained strong and pulled away. The finishing horn sounded and Tenby had deservingly won fifth place. Tenby were congratulated by all teams for there 'oar-some' comeback from 22nd to fifth place, giving Tenby league points and all round respect. After considering cancelling the mix and junior races due to weather conditions that had worsened since the men's race, the races were finally given the go ahead, albeit around a reduced course, and under supervision from the local lifeboat. Tenby had put together a mixed crew (Cox Tim Deere-Jones, Stroke Matthew Tebbutt, Clarke Williams, Olwyn Pritchard and Lauren Keating). However, due to forces beyond their control, the team was revised. The Tenby 'Odds and Sods' were crewed by Cox Tim, Stroke from the previous men's race Frank Miller, Matthew Tebbutt, Olwyn and Lauren Keating. The row out to the start was hard, even with the wind behind them. Once at the start line, the race officials took 15 minutes before the boats were sent on their way. With a little difficulty at the start, due to their position next to the sea defence, Tenby's 'Odds and Sods' soon began to over take boats and made it to fourth place before the only buoy turn of the race from where it was then a test of character to endure the elements. The junior/men's team from Aberaeron were two boat lengths ahead. After another excellent, but hard buoy turn, 'Odds and Sods' straightened up and were able to challenge the long-term rival of Tenby's 'Reggae Boys' to third place. The finishing horn sounded and Tenby's 'Odds and Sods' were unable to snatch third place from Aberaeron, but put up a respectful fight. 'Odds and sods' finished in fourth place out of seven boats and gained league points. The team would like to express their thanks to Tim for coxing to races in terrible conditions, Frank, for rowing twice and leaving his pint at the bar in order to do so, while a special thanks goes to Clarke Williams for transport, support and determination. Also congratulations go to Lauren Keating and Olwyn Pritchard for competing in their first race. Thanks to all members who turned up and supported the first league race. The 2007 Great River Race in London is approaching fast. Anyone interested in taking part is urged to start training. There are places for rowers and coxwains. Entries are still being collected for the 2007 Inter Pub n Club league, but closing date is approaching. If there are any queries, contact Tim on (01834) 871011. Meanwhile, Tenby Rowing Club is also looking into the possibility of travelling to Ireland to take part in a truly Celtic experience. The club is always looking for new members and has recently welcomed some new recruits from the Welsh Ambulance Service. Any would-be rowers or coxswains are welcome to attend a training session to try out either rowing and or coxing on a Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30 pm or a Sunday at 9.30 am. Meet at the Surflink building on the South Beach. For further information, contact Tim Deere-Jones on (01834) 871011, Gary James on 07794271853 or Matthew Tebbutt on (01834) 845625. Main club sponsor is ESS. Many thanks to all club sponsors.
