TAMAR and Tavy Gig Club took three teams to Newquay this weekend to compete in the end of season County Gig Championships for ladies and juniors.

The ladies team (pictured right) rowed on Saturday, with Viv Barnes at stroke, Tricia Stewart 5, Wendy Mclean 4, Sandra Anstey 3, Becky Masters 2, Penny Twine in Bow and Tom Sargeant cox. Although the Atlantic rolling waves were subdued the long last leg of the race was hard work, rowing into wind and against the tide.

The ladies showed their fitness and training, gaining and almost taking, the Cadgwith gig in front, only to be foiled by 'rowing etiquette' at a marker buoy. The winning ladies' champions were Falmouth.

Two junior teams braved the change in the weather on Sunday morning. There were 28 teams competing for the U16s championship. The first Tamar and Tavy team had Alice Clutterbuck at stroke, Amber Friendship 5, Megan Haynes-Parry 4, Charlie Fethney 3, Fen Eastaugh 2, George Masters in bow and coxed by Bill Stacey-Norris. They pulled away in a strong field and all but disappeared from view due to the rain. Their timing and buoy turns were exemplary, finishing the course in 17.3 minutes.

The second team (pictured) with Tara Twine at Stroke, Caitlin Haynes-Parry 5, Miles Eastaugh 4, Jesse-James Fone 3, Rosie Lloyd 2, Drew Mortimer in Bow and coxed by Paula Haynes-Parry kept up a cracking pace throughout, to finish in 17.4 minutes! Both teams had an average age of 13 years so did incredibly well, competing against 16 year-olds. The winning U16 Champions were Cadgwith.

Rowing with T and T will continue through September and October; then winter training will be available to all members. Tamar and Tavy Gig Club operates out of Weir Quay and welcomes new members. Please see its Tamarandtavygigclub.org.uk website for details.