Yesterday was round one of the handicap series. A strong turn out by the club has lead me to construct a new leader board. Doug had a stand out race, slaughtering the opposition (me). the win also puts him on level terms with his better half who also had a win. We shall be following the McManamny challenge with keen interest in the coming weeks. Apparently Doug did his best to slow down over the last 500m, but it was too little too late. he will surely be punished severely by the handicappers.

Geoff also had a runaway win, and some say he finished before the last person started. His handicap is likely to be a tad harder next week.

 Craig had an unfortunate miss hap with an oar popping out, but he remained on the dry side of the water, and has finished with some valuable points as some of his competitors were no shows.

 Jeff hill was seen to be tucking his lungs back into the inside of his body after his first 2km race since 1999. A well measured finish, and some handy points. A likely candidate for the out right win, should he continue to improve.

 Bingy hit some traffic in the last 200m, and lost an opportunity to put in some valuable points. Unfortunately his time was still rather fast, so will suffer from the handicappers. Shane rowed very fast, the fastest time of the morning in fact. He is cursing the following condition which gave his competitors wings. For some reason they seem to start rowing hard when he gets close to them over the last 500m.

 John got some valuable points, despite coming last in his heat. a cunning ploy, which could pay off well. Perhaps the handicappers will slip him some extra seconds. (all bribes have to be in before the draw comes out). In a similar fashion Peter Carew came away with some points due to the non attendance of his competitors. Next week we should hope to see him beat a few home. Roland also came last.. but really last... everyone turned up for his heat, and Rolly trails the PHRC cup with only one point to his name.

 At this stage the runaway leaders are our senior members of the club. Benson, McManamny and Geoff have all taken advantage of their advanced years to swipe generous handicaps and lots of points.. next week will see them suitably penalised.

LEADER BOARD

 Full Result www.wintersculling.com