The Bewdley Regatta returned to the river bank once again this year for an exciting weekend of racing, an event for established rowers from novices through to elite oarsmen and women. As we draw closer towards the end of the regatta season, City of Oxford’s Development Squad were competing in full force along with members from our competitive and masters squads.
In Robin's own words... "It was such a relief when the second round drew to a dead heat, it gave us some hope that we could win this competition, we both rowed in calm manner to the start and we didn't let our nerves get to us, we both wanted to win but we also wanted to row well, we were so happy when we won the semi-finals, Keir said just before the start "Third time lucky", which came true"
There was however little mercy for Keir and Robin when they soon discovered their opposition for the finals, Warwick Rowing Club, were already waiting at the holding area after getting out of the boat from the previous race. The race officials allowed them a ten minute break to get their breath back and stock up on their much needed sugar intake before heading out for the grand final.
Keir and Robin were exhausted by this point with their legs aching and muscles burning, but they knew their chances of success relied on them staying focused and remaining calm.. After a quick de-brief with the coach, the boys got back in their boat and made their way back to the start line for the final against Warwick. The race commenced and the boat soon came into sight from around the corner, with hundreds of spectators on the edge of their seats with excitement and screaming their support. Keir and Robing's sheer determination to win soon gave them a lead against the opposition, squeezing every last ounce of energy from the tired bodies as they gritted their teeth and gave one last push across the finish lines.
Success! They had one the final.
Keir and Robin were ecstatic, a big look of relief on their tired faces, gasping for air and legs trembling with adrenaline. This was undoubtedly one of the most exciting competitions of the day, and likely one of the toughest competitions they would ever face, at least for this season!
They soon made their way back to the landing stage for the very last time, with fellow City of Oxford supporters cheering with praise. The boat landed and Keir and Robin jumped out and made their way to the race officials to pick up their points and well deserved pots.
At the tender age of nineteen, Robin has been rowing for approximately five years but had little experience at a competitive level. In recent times he moved away to University and only recently made a comeback to his love of the sport, re-uniting with fellow City of Oxford Rowing Club rowers for the summer holiday season.
Keir has been rowing with the Dev Squad for less than a year now. He joined the club only last autumn but soon became a promising asset to the club, making excellent progression in sweep rowing and more recently in sculling. With only 6 weeks experience in a double scull, Keir’s sheer desire to win, along with his efforts made with recent training, brought his success at Bewdley and his chance to reach the stage of a de-novice.