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South Coast Championships 2007
2007 saw Hants and Dorest ARA hosting the South Coast Championships. The chosen venue was Dorney Lake, the 2012 Olympic course at Eton College. Dorney Lake is a purpose built, 2000 metre buoyed straight sprint course.
Exmouths Men's Senior C crew (Sam Malloy, Chris Long, Rob Williams & Jack Pearce coxed by Ed Pearce) had a fantastic season, battling the best of WEARAs crews in their catagory. After the addition of Williams to the Exmouth four back in early February, the boys Swept Oar rowing steadily improved throughout the season,
eventually securing 3 wins and 26 points towards the Senior C title. Exeter A scoring 34 points, clearly won the WEARA MSC4+ Championship along with being invited to Dorney Lake to represent the West of England as its A crew in the Mens Senior C Fours. Exmouth fought throughout the season with Exeter B to try and secure their place at Dorney as WEARAs runners up for the catagory.
8 points separated Exmouth and Exeter B with 3 championship regattas remaining - Torbay, Bideford & Dartmouth. Exmouth missed the entry for Dartmouth, so maximum points were needed in the remaining 2 regattas. Exmouth blitzed both races and won each with style, ensuring their place at Dorney Lake on the 8th of September.
The stage was set, Exeters A crew, Exmouth, 2 crews from Hants and Dorset, and 2 from Coast ARA. After a bad start, Exmouth went though the 500 metre mark in 4th position. Towards the half way post, the crew pushed their way into 2nd place, staying well ahead of their rivals from Exeter. Towards the end of the race, the gap between the two Exe clubs widened but a strong crew from Christchurch took the runners up position from Exmouths grasp by one foot. Lyminton won the Championship by one boat length. Exmouth placing 3rd is defiantly something to be proud of, beating the recently crowned WEARA MSC4+ champions!
Many thanks to Brian for driving the crew up, and thanks for all the fantastic support from all who made the journey up from Exmouth!
Unfortunately there was one Exmouth committee member who could not make it to Dorney Lake to support his club on Saturday. Exmouth RC's Chairman Steve Charles-Davis passed away at his home on the 6th of September 2007. He will be greatly missed by all his loved ones and friends which were blessed to have known him.
