THERE were happy and proud faces all round at Rock Rowing Club's gig rowing regatta at Damer Bay on Sunday as Tamar and Tavy's U14 juniors put in an outstanding performance in what was, for most of the young rowers, their first ever race.

Charlie Fethney, Alice Chutterbuck, Miles Eastaugh, David Walker and Caitlin Hayes-Parry, with a guest rower from Charleston Gig Club, managed to overcome their nerves and harness their strength in the difficult chop to be placed seventh out of nine.

David Walker, 14, said, 'The race went very well considering it was most people's first time. The waves made it interesting for rowers used to a river. It was certainly a novel experience!'

Bill Stacey-Norris, the team's cox, said, 'It was a tremendous performance. They overtook two gigs and just improved their technique all the way. I am very proud of them.'

At the other end of the age spectrum, the club's ladies' veterans also produced their best result of the season and the mixed novelty race provided much entertainment during the fun and family friendly day of competition, which saw T and Tavy placed 21 out of 27 teams.

T and T entered teams rowing Ginette into 7 of the 8 race categories. The ladies vets got off to a flying start and were at one stage placed fourth but eventually had to settle for fifth after a gruelling battle with Top Catch of Paignton. The mens' vets race saw a dramatic collision between five gigs at the first buoy, luckily avoided by Ginette. T and T again fought hard with Paignton, who managed a tremendous finishing sprint to storm the line. However, the Vets held out against Avarack of Newlyn to come 14th in their heat.

The Ladies B and Mens B teams came 11th and 12th respectively. The ladies suffered a poor start after clashing oars with another gig and worked hard to regain some ground before losing water at the last buoy against Devoran.

The men's team had a better start and the novice racers in the team were able to cut their teeth in an exciting battle with Lightening from Cadgwith, which Ginette ultimately pipped to the finish.

The lack of sea-rowing practice amongst T and T's crews showed in the results for the ladies and mens A teams, who struggled to stay competitive in the choppy conditions —managing 13th and 12th places respectively.

The day finished with a light-hearted novelty race which saw mixed crews sprint down the beach to their gigs, before swapping sides in their boats as they approached the buoy. with T and T's finishing 17th.

Tamar and Tavy Gig Club is always keen to welcome new members — for information please view its website at http://www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk">www.tamarandtavygigclub.co.uk