Hammersmith Head 2009: Imperial College Boat Club were victorious at Hammersmith Head last weekend winning the Novice Pennant by 0.7 seconds ahead of Emanuel School BC. The Viking bow-three of Benjamin Fahs (Norway), Andreas Prøsch (Norway) and Alistair Larsson (Sweden) summoned the Heavens as they set off through the starting line. Thunder rumbled and a bolt of lightening crashed over Chiswick Bridge. Stern four reacted into an accelerated race pace as shouts of “Thor the Lightning God is angry! Row on! Raaghhh!!!” bellowed from the bows firing the crew down the 4.4 km course. The crew ranked an impressive 40th overall out of 90 entrants with Elite 8+ Henley RC A taking the overall Head win: only 67 seconds ahead of the Nordic Novices.

IC 1 (Sean Delaney, John Beaty, Rory Fallon, Thomas Walshe, Benjamin Fahs, Patrick Hudson, Andreas Prøsch, Alistair Larsson) were coxed by Deepika Reddy in an epic battle of the elements as the clouds opened and rain battered down on the crew after an initially sunny morning. Weeks of grueling feet-out square-blades training under the command of coach Nick Ablitt had the crew well conditioned for drenched rowing. The crew fought through hurricane force winds and powered along overtaking four boats: Exeter University RC (Novice), Kingston/Quintin/TSS (Vet F), Quintin BC (Vet E), London RC (Vet F).

By Barnes Bridge overhead lightening reached unreasonable levels and it was looking likely that the race would have to be abandoned. Delayed results later fed to the rumours that there would be no winners due to the conditions. But not even sleet could deter the IC crew and they valiantly powered on to the finish. Boat Peter Reilly for once held up through the swell with no technical difficulties reported and the 8+ cruised home to victory.

IC B (Sam Reimer, Angelo Tardugno, Chris Kroon, John Nichols, Doru Procopiu, James Falkingham, Valerio Chang, Morris Jones) were coxed by Kate Wylie and finished in 13:03.87, 23rd in the novice category (83rd overall). After a shaky start the crew settled out into a good rate and were pleased to make it back to Putney after spending two hours in the elements. Both IC A and IC B finished ahead of the top novice boat representing Imperial College School of Medics, who came 86th overall.

Hammersmith Women’s & Juniors’ Head took place a few weeks earlier on February 22nd. ICBC entered two senior crews and one novice crew. IC A (Ellie Dorman, Rachael Davies, Nicky Smith, Erica Thompson, Selina Graham, Chloe Symmonds, Louise Hart, Ro Smith) were coxed by Tom Fieldman and finished in 12:12.20 (6th overall, 3rd in WS.2), just 12 seconds shy of the pennant. IC B (Christina Matteotti, Cynthia Mynhardt, Stef Menashe, Clarice Chung, Hannah Rouse, Christina Duffy, Ranalie Karunartne, Ellie Berry) were coxed by Deepika Reddy and finished in 13:25.02 (26th overall, 6th in WS.3). And finally, IC C (Julia Hong, Tamsin Bromley, Georgie Philips, Ella Burroughes, Rose Stainthorp, Anokhi Ali Khan, Millie R, Natasha Ganecki) were coxed by Jessica Hargreaves and finished in 14:03.41, 48th overall, 8th in WN).

Congratulations to all crews especially to the novice men who will receive their pennants later this week. This result bodes well for their next race, the highlight of the Tideway race calendar: the Men’s Head of the River Race on March 21st.

Christina Duffy