WALLINGFORD RC’s masters crews show no sign of weakening as they claimed two wins and a close second at the Veterans' Head of the River Race, writes JOHN WIGGINS.

The Masters C eight not only won their age group, but embarrassed many younger crews by finishing third overall.

The crew of Harry Powell, Richard Smith, Pete King, Andy Hull, Jonny Mentor, Mike Edge, Dan Harvey, Steve Pearson and cox, Saz Ball had previously won at Reading and their own Head race at Wallingford.

They were uncertain of success coming in to this national event, but beat Crabtree BC’s former Cambridge University rowers by ten seconds in 13mins 46secs.

The recently-formed Wallingford women’s C category eight were a creditable sixth, while the well-established D category ladies missed out on victory by two seconds.

Further along the alphabet, the club’s H grade septuagenarians were also triumphant.

While the boat was not entirely home-grown, most of the crew have competed for Wallingford at some stage in their long rowing careers.

Coxed by their own Lizzie Polgreen, the club’s men (Mike Simmonds, Ken Houston, Charles Parry, Ted Garlick and Sean Morris) were joined by Bill Sadler (Bedford), Chris George (Thames) and Tom Bishop (Quintin), the latter a late replacement for the unwell Colin Cusack at stroke.

Their time of 14mins 50secs was 20 seconds clear of their nearest rivals, and with the age-adjusted handicap applied, they had the best time of the day over all age groups.