Bexhill clinch 15th consecutive league title

In the process the club also achieved a record haul of more than 1,000 points, something which should stand for a very long time.

A club spokesman said: “Being the best club for 15 consecutive years gets harder and harder as our rivals try to topple us. This season has demonstrated our resolve and indicates towards a promising 2016.

“The committee would like to thank all rowers for their efforts over the season, and all the sponsors, friends and family who helped make last weekend and the season to date such a huge success.”

Bexhill notched up 10 wins and numerous top six finishes during last weekend’s finale to the league season when Bexhill hosted regattas on Saturday and Sunday.

Arguably the highlight of the weekend was the men’s senior four achieving a pair of race victories to retain the championship.

Going into the weekend the Bexhill crew trailed 5-4 over the season, but they levelled things up with a win on Saturday, which meant it all came down to the final race on Sunday.

With a re-row needed, the two Bexhill crews rowed a perfect tactical race and at one point held first and second. But in the end it was the A crew of Mark Mitchell, Greg Anderson, Matt Hellier, Kieran Cahill and cox Rachel Holdaway which romped home to victory, to the cheers of the home supporters.

The crew will now head to the South Coast Championships in Devon next month full of confidence and as one of the favourites to retain the coveted Bideford Bowl.

Also retaining their championship title from last season was the men’s veteran 50 crew of Dave Jones, Marc Cowling, Clive Bingham, Andy Wilson and cox Holdaway.

They led from start to finish to seal a famous victory, and Bexhill also came second and third with numerous past and present club members lining up against each other for the first time in more than 20 years.

The men’s veteran 50 crew will also now be upping their training in preparation for a tilt at the South Coast Championships title, something they just missed out on last season.

It was not just the older members of the club that led the way last weekend. The ladies’ novice four of Ellie Skilton, Grace Bell, Charlie Cooper and Milly Jones recovered from some technical difficulties off the start to go on and win, and they are now promoted to junior status as a result.

With the South Coast Championships taking place in river boats, the club will now make the switch to these fine boats and start to train on the flatter water at Wallers Haven.

Last season’s success at the championships will be tough to beat, but with stronger performances happening towards the end of this season, many crews will fancy their chances of retaining their titles or improving on narrow losses last year.

The club will be taking part in the Rother Active event at the De La Warr Pavilion this coming Sunday, so pop along if you are interested in hearing more about how to join the rowing club.

An open day is likely to be held in September where the club will be recruiting for the next learn to row courses for this autumn.

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