Richmond paddlers turned out in force for the final regional Hasler race of the season, held at Tonbridge Canoe Club on Sunday. The narrow, twisting river made a nice change from the Thames, with a large turnout from all clubs leading to a very busy river.
Some of our juniors with the Zeneca Shield. Photo from Tonbridge CC.
Our combined results were enough to win the event overall and take home the Zeneca shield for top club.
Highlights for Richmond include our junior K2s who performed extremely well in new divisions. Ellie and Archie raced in division 6 K2, Ellie having been recently promoted at nationals and Archie still in division 7. They took an excellent win, just ahead of Sophie and Mia in 3rd. In division 5 K2, Lily was also racing in a higher divison for the first time. She partnered Harry and they took victory by 20 seconds, ahead of much older crews. Our junior K1s also raced well, with Peter a clear winner in division 8 ahead of Joe in 2nd. Both secured promotions, Peter to 6 and Joe to 7. Oliver was 2nd in division 9 and also promoted. The lightning team continued from their success at the nationals with victories for Lilla and Francis, 2nd places for Freya and Susanna and a 4th for Issy.
The slightly less sizeable senior contingent were not to be outdone with some good results of their own. Valetin finished over a minute ahead of the second placed boat in division 6 and Andrei stormed to victory in division 3, recovering from going the wrong way at a portage and having to get back in to paddle to the right side of the river. Tom was a close 2nd in division 1, and Andrea and Allyn 2nd in division 9 K2.
This was the last regional qualifier for Hasler finals on 6th October. A list of qualified paddlers is now up on the wall at the club- please tick to confirm your attendance, or speak to Will to enter.
