Isle of Wight rowers put on effective display in Southampton

More than 800 competitors, including crews from Ryde, marked the end of the Hants and Dorset championship season at the Royal Victoria Country Park, in Netley, near Southampton.

Ryde’s rowing crews' prowess was evident when competing in both the open and junior regattas.

The open men’s junior senior four crew, which comprised Dale Buckett, Ben Sanderson, Will Hall and Paddy Kearney, coxed by Harry Watts, stole the show by winning their event, to mark their third victory in four years.

ROWING Ryde's boys' J14 coxed quad, comprised of Dexter Robson, Cameron D’Arcy, Max Locke, Joe Bird and Grace Hill, from Poole, coxing. (Image: Ryde Rowing Club) In the men's open junior coastal event, the Ryde A crew, of Lars Groothuis, Isaac Gibson, Joe Roberts and Charlie Watts, coxed by Harry Watts, won their heat, while the B crew finished third.

However, the A crew came second in the final.

Read more: Isle of Wight rowing clubs oar to victory in Southsea

Moreover, the ladies' coastal junior four and the novice men also performed commendably.

The juniors, tasked with racing over a 1000m distance, proved their mettle with all three of the club’s crews reaching their respective finals.

Club member, Micky Jenner, said: "Hosting a South Coast championships takes a great deal of organisation and support."

Several Ryde rowers, including Steve and Josie Bull and Steve Cook, contributed significantly to organising the event.