By Isle of Wight Observer
Rowers from Ryde and Newport rowing clubs travelled to Christchurch on Saturday, to compete in the latest round of the Hants & Dorset regatta season – a unique two-boat event held on the narrow River Stour.
Five crews from Ryde took part, with the stand-out performance coming from their Open Junior Senior Four. Isaac Gibson, Joe Roberts, Paddy Kearney and Charlie Watts, coxed by Harry Watts, won their semi-final – which had to be re-run after being stopped – before they secured a convincing win.
The Coastal Women’s Junior Fours A crew of Abi Locke, Fiona Owen, Alexis Owen and Emily Kellerman, coxed by Mai Read, reached the final and finished second.
Newport fielded four crews. The club’s best result came from their Junior Open Four – Boris Hare, Connor Garner, Jake Garner and Eric Williams (in his first race at this level), coxed by Mariana Hare. After beating Ryde in the semi-final, they defeated championship leaders, BTC, in the final, claiming their first win of the season.