Tyrian decided to mount an attempt to win two events at this year’s Veterans Fours Head. This meant entering a coxless four of Bill Downing, Graham Faultless, Humphry Hatton and Peter Brett and a coxed four of Paul Tunnah, Julian Rodd, Richard Budgett and Dave Kingsley coxed by Andy Probert.
It proved a wise decision to avoid the main Fours Head on the Saturday as this was abandoned an hour before the start time due to some very strong winds and sinking conditions below Hammersmith.
The following day saw calmer conditions with a slight tailwind for most of the race and only a short headwind section from Hammersmith to the Mile Post.
The coxless four took delivery of a new Fillipi the day before the race and attempted to set it up so it could be used for the race. Unfortunately there were some technical issues which meant that although four riggers were attached to the boat we weren’t really sure that they were all set up correctly.
This resulted in a very uncomfortable row which must have been the boat. as it was agreed that the oarsmen could not have been the source of the problem. The main opponents, Reading, started a couple of boats behind and last year’s winners (Monmouth) a further couple of boats behind.
A storming start saw the four overtake their first crew halfway round the first bend and with Pete not letting the rate drop below 32 for the duration of the course the crew avenged last years defeat, winning by 16 seconds from Monmouth.
The coxed four entered the slightly younger category of Vet B which meant they had a tough task ahead of them. They also overtook crews and had a good race having a fight with a quad down the home stretch. They missed out on their win by 4 seconds but showed the strength in depth that is being generated in Tyrian at the moment.
2009 has been a successful year for Tyrian as they have won the Eight’s head, Four’s Head and two events at Henley (8+ & 4-). In addition we have picked up two silver medals at National Championships in the 8 and 4- (admittedly all Masters titles).
The squad is expanding (in girth as well as numbers!) as is the fleet of boats. Should you wish to become involved in this successful club please contact Graham Faultless at graham.faultless “at” btinternet.com.
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