St Neots show strength at Star Regatta 2014

A small contingent from St Neots Rowing Club took part in the recent Star Regatta on the Great Ouse in the heart of Bedford town centre. Club Captain Ali Young took the decision to mix things up a bit with the juniors and seniors combining in a show of strength for the local competition.

The first crew to compete was the Women’s IM3 coxed four of Louise Shorten, Mia Hartwell, Liv Hooper and Mollie Tackley, coxed by Libby Milne. Despite a big effort the crew from Northampton proved too strong on this occasion as St Neots went out in their semi-final losing by 5 lengths over the 1200m course.

The next crew on the water was the Men’s IM3 coxed four of Dom Chapman, Adrian Vuylsteke, Adam Williams and Nick Shorten who faced Northampton in their semi final. Cox Libby Milne drove the crew on to an impressive performance as they saw off their opposition by 5 lengths.

Two hours later the same men’s crew returned to the water for the final against the University of East Anglia men’s 4 which included St Neots’ old boy Bryce Taylor. Again the St Neots crew proved too strong as UEA were soundly beaten by 4 lengths, providing St Neots with their first pots of the day.

Not to be outdone after their earlier disappointment, the majority of the women’s 4 joined forces with some of the men’s crew to race in a mixed IM3 eight. This proved to be a winning combination as the crew of Dom Chapman, Adrian Vuylstecke, Lynne Taylor, Mia Hartwell, Liv Hooper, Lou Shorten, Josh Dexter and Adam Williams, coxed by Libby Milne struck out at a fierce pace which their Star Club competition just could not sustain, and St Neots claimed their second victory of the day with an ‘easy’ verdict.

Club Captain Ali Young said:

Crews from St Neots will be competing in the club’s annual regatta over the weekend of 26 and 27 July. Check out our website for details and come along to the Regatta Meadow to enjoy the spectacle.