The first weekend of September saw Tyne Rowing Club travel to Hollingworth Lake for the North of England Sprint Championships. The evening preceding the event, found the "Toon Navy" commandeering an extremely large area of the local campsite allowing all of the athletes to relax before, what proved to be, an extremely challenging day of racing. The Championships began on Sunday 4 September in very blustery conditions, but despite this, the first Tyne crews on the water were extremely competitive in the worsening weather.
 | | 'Toon Navy' establish their weekend pitch in style |
A special mention must go to James Forster and Wesley Maccabe, Tynes RC’s young, lightweight Senior four pair who came a close second to a heavyweight pair from Bradford Grammar School. Tyne’s Novice pair, Chris Smith and Kieran Emery, went one better in clinching victory against a very competitive field. All ages rowing Along with the pairs, Tyne RC had numerous boats competing in a wide range of junior and senior events. In the senior events, Tyne’s men's and ladies’ quads showed great determination in coming back from slight hiccups to challenge for accolades.
 | | Kieran Emery and Chris Smith |
Both men’s and ladies' eights competed at the Senior 3 level with each showing their metal in two very close races, but unfortunately, both crews were edged out in the closing stages. The junior events were also closely fought by all Tyne RC competitors. Bryony Pitt was pipped in the last 10 strokes after having to re-row. Kieran Emery and Stuart McCluskey in the J16 double competed admirably by making the final, but came second to an extremely strong double. Lastly, as the competition grew to a close, Natalie Hardy and Catherine Pringle were able to clinch a win in the J12 ladies doubles with a very convincing win.
 | | Danielle and Sarah giving some much needed support |
Throughout the day, all of the Tyne RC crews completed extremely well and with an extremely high level of decorum, strength and determination. In comparison with last year’s event, Tyne RC has excelled; the Club was able to field twice the number of competitors; race in higher status events; and start to challenge clubs once thought to be in a different league. After this display, the future looks extremely bright for Tyne Rowing Club and the sport of rowing on the Tyne. | 
