99's Spring regatta

​A whopping 9 races for the Eddie’s women in the 99s Spring Regatta!
This Sunday saw the Eddie’s women take part in 9 races as part of the 99’s Spring Regatta, a series of side-by-side races down the reach.
Eddie’s W1 started off the day by drawing Clare W2. Despite the recent focus on drilling race starts in outings, Clare’s start was considerably stronger, and they quickly pulled away by about half a boat length. Eddie’s maintained this gap all the way down the reach until about 150m from the finish line where they emptied the tank and started gaining seats on Clare. Sadly the push came a little too late and Clare took the win.
Next the Eagles were paired up against Maggie W2 in competition for a plate. Much like in the first race, Maggie gained off the start. The Eagles valiantly stopped the gap from increasing and despite a much better start than the previous race, and much smoother rowing, were unable to claw back any seats. Despite these two defeats, a lot was learned from the racing which they will take into training next week.
In the afternoon 4 of our W2 rowers raced with Hughe's W2 and W3. Jazmin, Olia and Vero (who was racing for the first time) joined the W3 crew and Vice Captain Elizabeth joined W2.
Hughe's W3, a mostly novice boat, were first up against the Vet School boat, an unlucky draw as it was filled with many 6th year vets with many years experience in W1 college crews. Despite a valiant effort and some gorgeous rowing, the vet boat pulled away straight off the start. A brilliant first race for Vero! Next they were up against Maggie 3, another unfortunate draw against a massive club on the Cam where they were sadly defeated. Despite the losses, the girls had a lot of fun in the sun and got some valuable race experience.
Hughe's W2’s first competitor scratched, so got to enjoy the sun while their 3rd boat flew down the Cam against Maggie 3, waiting to race the winner. As Maggie came out victorious they paddled back to the start line to race. Hughe's W2 took an easy win meaning they got to the final against the Vet School boat. With the Eddie’s vice captain in one boat, and the captain in the other, the boats set off for a show down. An unfortunate crab meant Hughe's W2 lost their rhythm for a few strokes which made all the difference in the neck-and-neck drama up the reach. After a speedy recovery, Hughe's got back into their stride and started gaining on the vet boat. Sadly it was too late, and they crossed the line shortly after the vet boat, finishing 2nd place in the div. An incredible performance against the veterans who were expecting an easy win.
Despite some disappointing results, the women absolutely gave it their all, demonstrating the Eddie’s underdog spirit we all know and love. Congrats Eddie’s on the amazing performances and for being the friendliest club on the Cam, saving multiple crews from scratching that day. Yeah Eagles!
And a big shout-out to Abi John from Hughe's for subbing into our W1!