May the thirteenth saw the club attend their second race this year - Shrewsbury regatta.  Two crews woke with the dawn and met at Shrewsbury to load up the boats - Caroline and Isabelle forming a so-called "Novice" 2x, despite their victory at Northwich, and Trish again coxing the very so-called dream team of Rich, Stew, Phil and Kev in the Novice 4+.

6 weary looking individuals somehow managed to load the boats in record time, and drove to Shrewsbury.  Despite the initial misgivings of Kevin and Isabelle in the last car, the procession got to Shrewsbury first go.  Congestion at the boat park and a lack of space led to some frantic rigging of the four in time for the first race, with sterling help from the ladies preventing the crew from being too delayed.

Despite the early hour and the lack of room to warm up, the mens four rowed to a confident victory against the local opposition from the start in their first race.  Confident coxing from Trish in her first regatta, and some strong if frantic rowing gave them the advantage.  Pleased though the crew were, there was plenty to improve on, and the 2 hours to the next race were well spent!

The ladies, after providing support from the bank, reverted to more traditional stereotypes, and fastened ribbon to their outfits, improvising official NSRC tops on the spot.  Once on the water, they rowed to a hugely convincing win, over less confident competition.  Some unorthodox changes of direction by Grosvenor didn't help them catch the pair!  Confusion ruled at the end of the race when the gracious Grosvenor cheered the pair - a brief silence was followed by "Well done!".

A few minutes after the ladies came in, the men were out again, this time racing a fresh and mean looking crew from Sheffield University.  Bravado and confidence were the veneer of the crew - however, below they were feeling a little more nervous!  What was thought by the crew to be a better overall race did not however gain them victory; Sheffield university took and kept the lead from what was the poorest start the men had ever done, and the crew could not take it back.  Unhappy faces and an uncharacteristic silence reigned!

Tea was definitely called for, and Phil's family who had been supporting from the opposite bank came over to give some moral support to their devastated dad.  Ice creamed up, and with Phil back in competitive spirits, they headed off to allow Phil to go to his night-shift at work.  Phil, post 2x1000m races and an early start, clearly had more energy than the rest of the crew, who sat down for a nice cup of tea!

Rich showed his disdain for all things chav when he "spilled" his "tea", and a trickle of warm liquid raced down the slipway, on a search and stain mission - target: white trackies.  Rich chickened out at the last minute and warned the burberry capped fellow of impending doom, to all our disappointment.

The ladies prepared for their next race - and sat down again when their opposition told them that their 2x could only be a 1x for this race, due to the several thousand races they were entered for.  A second preparation led to a second rescheduling of the impending duel.  The anger of Caroline and Isabelle was only assuaged when, minutes later, Guildford scratched, and they were through to the final.  They made the race look literally effortless!

The final was rapidly scheduled for 20 minutes later, and the ladies went in search of more silverware to add to their collection, as well as some points for their ARA licences!  A cool, calm row up to the top was followed by a delay due to congestion of the schedule and a sculler falling in.  The race was soon upon them however.  After 600m, they had fallen slightly behind their able local opponents, but they hung tenaciously on, to give them a race to the finish.  Quoth Pengwern "We couldn't lose you!".  Isabelle and Caroline's strong performance promised much for future races!

The guys took comfort from the strong performance of Sheffield Uni in the semi's, and prayed for their eventual victory.  A positive attitude pervaded the atmosphere as the competitors packed away and headed for home, followed by a curry in Leek and a joke swapping session!

Overall, the regatta was great experience, and a runners up place for the ladies was excellent!  Thanks to all those who enabled the men to race by lending romper suits!  We're all looking out for those photos...

Final results can be found here