Rowing: Searle makes heavy weather of Tideway
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GREG SEARLE failed to cope with choppy conditions but still took the Sculler's Head of the River Race on London's Tideway by seven seconds on Saturday, keeping ahead of the first lightweight, Ian Watson of the London Rowing Club.
Searle himself was gloomy after the finish saying "It was a rubbish scull, and if I go that badly at the trials next week that'll be the end of my season."
Searle struggled in the conditions caused by a westerly wind and for some time it appeared that he had lost to Peter Haining, the former world lightweight champion, Haining chose the mid-river route along the Harrods Depository reach, using rough water skills to keep up 32 strokes to the minute. As Haining said "If you have only learned to scull in flat water a quarter of this race will defeat you."
Watson, who has taken the challenge of racing this season as Britain's lightweight single sculler after a long career in the coxless four, also demonstrated how the tricky conditions expose scullers such as Searle, who have greater horsepower, but can get entangled in rough water.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments