The Thames Tradesmen women’s crew (L-R) – Jackie Marie, Adela Williams, Mette Rodgers and Sue Holland – with their special centenary winners pewter tankards after the successful race.
by Mette Rodgers
Thames Tradesmen’s Rowing Club were off to a winning start to the regatta season when the women’s quad – made up of Mette Rodgers in the stroke seat, women’s captain Jacqueline Marie, Adela Williams and Sue Holland – raced to a convincing victory at the Chiswick Centenary Regatta on Saturday 4 May 2024.
The crew beat Bewl Bridge and Quintin in a rerun of the Masters DE 4x- final after a false start by Bewl in the first race. The three crews were not stopped until they had completed more than two-thirds of the 1000 meter course between the UL boathouse and the Quintin Boathouse so ended up spending a good amount of their reserves.
It was convincing win in the end for the TTRC women’s crew (L-R): Mette Rodgers, Jacqueline Marie, Adela Williams and Sue Holland.
However, having been in the lead the TTRC crew knew that a win was possible and were determined to not let victory slip away. Second time round they got off to another strong start and kept a high pace throughout the race, leaving the nearest competitor several lengths behind.
After a happy and leisurely paced row back to the club house in the spring sun, the winners were met by fellow TTRC rower Louise Martin, who brought hugs and bubbles to celebrate the first win of the season.
“I’m super proud of our TTRC women’s squad who have come along leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. This success is a testament to our hard work and commitment and of course the coaching team and the wider AMAZING TTRC community,” said women’s captain Jackie Marie after the race.
“Well done ladies!”
The winning crew was met by fellow TTRC rower Louise Martin who provided celebratory fizz for the occasion.
TTRC’s Michael Gatzoulis, Nigel Brophy, Lee Brewster and Dominic Warren (L-R) showed great form at Hammersmith Regatta in the Masters’ F coxless four final
The win followed a promising performance by two TTRC men’s crews in the Hammersmith Regatta the weekend before, on Saturday 27 April; the very first local regatta of the season.
The weather at this regatta was not as kind to the competitors with strong winds and heavy showers, especially in the morning when the first TTRC crew – a coxed four consisting of veteran Olympian Woody in the cox seat, Nathan Goodman in the stroke seat, Zak Henshaw-Keene, Jay Sitaraman and Jonathan Geitner – raced against Poplar Blackwall & District Rowing Club in the Open 4+ event.
By 2pm however, when TTRC’s Michael Gatzoulis, Nigel Brophy, Lee Brewster and Dominic Warren took on Sons of the Thames in the Masters’ F coxless four final, the sun was desperately trying to break through the dark clouds.
According to crew member Nigel Brophy, “the start wasn’t their best – and wasn’t as good as Sons” – but they nevertheless managed to quickly settle into a good racing pace and rhythm set by Gatzoulis in the stroke seat.
But it was not to be.
However, the four TTRC rowers delivered a strong performance which bodes well for the upcoming regattas.
“The crew was amazing, all working 100% in their drive. It was a magical experience to be part of such a fantastic crew,” said Michael Gatzoulis after the race.
