54th Scullers Head

December 1st saw Simon and Tim stage a rematch of their epic tussle of the Norfolk Long Distance Sculls but this time at the 54th Scullers Head over the 4.25 mile championship course from Mortlake to Putney on the Tideway.
Some of the top names were missing from the 500-odd scullers starting the race but the Deben contingent were unable to fully capitalise on the opportunity and finished a modest 307th and 280th respectivly. Once again local knowledge was probably the key with a mere 14 seconds separating our noble scullers over the 24 minute duration.
It was first time at the event for both competitors and after a paddle over the course on Friday, Saturday dawned cold but fair. Boating out of Thames RC, the winter sun shone with only a stiff headwind after Hammersmith to trouble the equanimity. After a long wait at the muster it was under Chiswick Bridge and "Go!" from the start marshall. All that remained then was to go bananas for the next four plus miles. Neither of our noble athletes earned a winners pennant but both experienced the ambiguous pleasure of being passed and, yes, actually passing fellow scullers.
Great facilities were provided at Thames and we hope for a more numerous Anglo Saxon invasion party next year.
All in all a great event. Definately to be repeated.

Tim