Evesham RFC U11 do the double at Fladbury Bellboat Regatta....

At the annual Fladbury Bellboat Regatta, ERFC U11 entered 2 boats into the Year 6 and under category, boats named 'red' and 'blue' so paddlers divided into 2 equal sides, 8 kids and 2 adults per boat, keeping brothers together where possible and an equal number of siblings across the two boats.

The original plan to have JB skipper one crew and Ed the other was 'scotched' somewhat by the dads night out (never mind sea legs, a few were struggling with land legs this morning), so JB finished up in both boats over 2 heats each, ably paired by Tim in the red crew and anyone called Rob in the blue boat. 

Red and Blue won both races each, some decent paddling from both crews that improved with each race. Finals time and Evesham Red, Evesham Blue and Eckington FC qualified to race the A final.  Bov jumped into the blue boat to help Rob Merrall with the 2-adults-in-a-boat-of-10 rule and we were down at the start and facing the bridge.  From the off the blue boat edged ahead and was half a length up after 30 strokes with red in pursuit.  Red then found their rhythm as the clubhouse came into view and by the clubhouse it was neck and neck, proper racing this which I am sure was quite the spectacle from the bank.  Both Evesham crews could not be more evenly matched, fingers crossed it is not a dead heat or we will be doing this again.  The last 20m saw the red boat's momentum nick it on the line, togetherness of the blades the only thing separating the two crews.  Evesham RFC 1st and 2nd, not only retaining the title from last year, but adding an extra trophy in the process.

The parents boat was as motley a looking crew as ever dipped an oar, again they made it to the final but were pipped into second by Eckington FC parents.  Beaten by footballers, clearly we will have to work on this for next year.  Summer rugby training starts mid August, I encourage you to join in.

As we watched the remaining finals, the Broadway Guides appeared to be motoring as they came into view.  Blimey that girl in the middle has got some shoulders, maybe she carries the flag or stacks the chairs after the meetings.....no, turns out to be Will Brett in a boat full of girlies.  How did that happen ? (and why did that never happen to me as a lad ?)

A couple of highlights to mention

When BTM's (Big Tom Merrall) younger brother was keen to be involved but no paddling seats were available, the lads on the blue boat were quick to appoint him mascot to sit amidships and shout encouraging stuff. Real credit to the blue boat - this is the sort of team spirit we encourage in all the lads.

Another example - in the afternoon some of the lads helped to make a crew for the Cropthorne Children's boat.  As they switched seats to get organised before the off one little girl needed to cross to the other side of the boat.  Without prompting, James was on his feet and immediately offered a hand to help steady the girl.  Gentlemanly behaviour James, knowing your dad well these are clearly manners inherited from Nursey.

Well done to all the paddlers today and a huge thank you to Ed, new Chairman of ERFC Youth Section no less, for arranging such a fun day for all. Special thanks to Jane Tinson, who despite working 5 days a week now still managed to lead the mums to sell coffee at the incoming tour weekend earlier this month, the money raised paid for the Bellboating.

JB