The first country regatta of the season saw 26 RRC members head to Hamilton this weekend. The sun shone brightly on us all weekend and sculls, doubles, quads, pairs, fours and eights all took to the water to battle it out over the 1km course.
Day 1 and event 1 of the regatta was a Richmond win by the female masters double pairing of Susie Ballantyne and Geraldine Goss which kicked off a host of great performances for the weekend. Rachel Button claimed victory in the D grade women’s single scull to win her first individual sculling medal. The mixed eight combination of Susie Ballantyne, Karen Doggett, Charlie Burke, Barry Campbell, Dave Micallef, Matthias Ott, Rochelle Stokes and Anthea Amos thankfully held off the challenge from the Bendigo crew rowing in a borrowed Richmond boat to seal victory in their event. Three Richmond crews fought out the final of the D grade double scull with the glory going to Sophie Robinson and Geraldine Goss. Without a moment to spare Gerry was off again this time winning the female masters single scull to round off a great day.
Another highlight of the day was the male masters coxed four who managed to tip the beloved Butcher 180 degrees after crossing the finish line. All was well when they swam it back to shore with a slightly shocked by surprisingly buoyant school girl cox who against all odds volunteered to cox for us all over again on day 2.
Nestles Rowing Club hosted Sunday’s events which kicked off with a Richmond 1-2-3 in the women’s masters double scull with the glory once again going to the pairing of Susie and Gerry. The heat proved tiring on day 2, or maybe it was the Saturday night alcohol consumption, but further Richmond success came in the women’s D grade single scull which was taken out by Rachel Button. A great race saw Karen Bell, Beverly Thornton, Lindsey Brown and Judy Doherty coxed by Mike Numa win their first regatta medals in the women’s D grade four – may they be the first of many.
A week on from HOTY and still riding high on their success the women’s eight consisting of Sophie Robinson, Karen Doggett, Sally McArthur, Geraldine Goss, Susie Ballantyne, Rachel Button, Rochelle Stokes and Anthea Amos coxed by Mike Numa powered home to victory in the Female A grade final. Sunday’s races were concluded in fitting fashion with another win for Gerry in the female masters single scull and her efforts were rewarded with the coveted presentation of oarswomen of the day.With the sun beginning to fade RRC headed back to Melbourne (some faster than others – you know who you are!) after a very triumphant weekend.
A huge thanks to Barry for organising people, boats, accommodation, a great dinner on Saturday night and a super efficient trailer mechanic. Thanks also to Justin and Sally for BRO duties, Mike as our solo dedicated cox and everyone else who took part and pitched in to help the weekend run so smoothly. Judging by the smiles and laughter that were around all weekend I think everyone would agree that Hamilton/Nestles Regatta 2010 was a roaring success!
Karen Doggett