WSR Joint League - Aberystwyth
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Conditions were far more favourable in Aberystwyth this year, compared to last year’s partially abandoned race but the water was still quite choppy compared to what we are used to rowing on the Menai.
Aberystwyth is one of three joint league races which sees clubs from both the North League and South League compete against each other and it was a busy foreshore with 24 boats from 12 clubs waiting to get their boats into the water before breakfast and the coxes’ briefing.
The women’s race was the first to set off with 17 boats jostling for a favourable position on the start line out in Cardigan Bay. The 6km sprint saw the field head south against the tide for 1.5km before turning west across the waves for further 1.5km with a 2km sprint back to the harbour to finish.
In a strong womens’ field, Blodwen of Clwb Rhwyfo Porthmadog continued their great start to the season with an impressive victory, beating both Llangwm crews who are the current Southern League leaders in their respective categories.
Cybi of Beaumaris finished in a very creditable fifth place, just 39 seconds behind the winning boat and racing hard to the line with Cyngar Stinger of Llangwm with just five seconds seperating both boats.
The Seniors race saw 13 boats compete with Clychau of Aberdyfi’s 100% record continuing as they won the race in 26’21”. The two leagu leading boats in the Southern League, Llangwm’s Kiddles and Moby Dick of Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club, came in second and third with Menai of Beaumaris holding off a determined Aberystwyth crew to secure fourth place.
As the wind picked up, the course for the Mixed Race, the final race of the day, was shortened to 5km and with 21 boats lining up, the start line was a scene of utter chaos as boats tried to find the best position whilst also battling the wind which was blowing everyone back towards the harbour!
Following several minutes of paddling, back-paddling, jostling, barging and threats of disqualification the race finally managed to get underway.
Just as in the Seniors race, Clychau of Aberdyfi succeeded in keeping up their 100% record, with Kiddles’ Vets team from Llangwm finishing in second place. Branwen of Aberystwyth held off Beaumaris’ Menai to finish in third place.
Menai’s fourth place sees them close the gap on Siwan in the season’s standings in the Vets category. Siwan finished in 9th place but hold the lead in the season’s standings with 27 points to Menai’s 23.
The welcome in Aberystwyth was as warm as ever as all the rowers socialised over the post race lunch while awaiting the results ceremony and looking forward to the next North League Race in Beaumaris on 19 July.
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