Novice Women's VIII - Fairbairns 2009

After what seemed like hours marshalling in the freezing cold we were finally told to head towards the start line. Unfortunately the start was less than perfect (due to some bad coxing from me) but with a big push from bowside we were straight again and into the longest race the novice women had ever rowed. During the first half of the race the power was consistent and we shortened the gap between us and the boat ahead, Emmanuel. Half way in the tiredness was showing but the determined crew did not give up and maintained the distance we had gained on Emmanuel. A small crab slowed us on the Reach but it was quickly recovered and did not stop the girls from emptying the tanks to cross the finish line. The boat behind us was nowhere to be seen. We came 15th out of 61 with a quicker time than the Novice Men B crew. The novice women had a strong and exceptionally keen crew this year and this was shown by their successful result in Fairbairns.