Page 36 - issue08.03.2019

Royal Air Force News Friday, March 8, 2019 P28 Follow us @rafnewssport /sportrafnews

ROWING
No stopping rowers

South Africa tour is quickly followed by training for Head of River challenge

MAKING A SPLASH: Above and right, Service rowers produced the goods during winter
training at Henley

THINGS HAVE been busy both tour events, the National Sprints
overseas and at home for the Regatta, Victoria Lake took place
Service’s rowing fraternity. the day after arrival. As such, the
Johannesburg, South Africa tourists’ ambitions for the event
was the destination for a 12-strong were somewhat muted, especially
team of rowers from the men’s as the lake sits at 2000m above sea
and women’s seniors and master’s level. However, the first two RAF
squads, who took on both cultural crews to race won their events and The John Waugh Rock the Boat conditions have been good. All its momentum into the summer
and sporting endeavours. the tour was off to a flying start. Regatta was the second event on the three squads produced noteworthy season and ultimately Henley Royal
Hosted by the Victoria Lake More success followed with the tour diary and a great way to close performances at several races, Regatta and the King’s Cup.
Rowing Club and Row South Africa, last race of the day, featuring an the tour out. including the Head of the Nene For more information on rowing
the first major undertaking was untested RAF eight against three Once back in the UK the and Trent River Races and most in the RAF, please contact the RAF
an invitation to the South African local crews. Following a terrible association began preparations recently Henley Fours and Eights Rowing Club via station PEd Flt, or
National Rowing Awards, which start which placed the RAF crew for the Head of the River Race in Head of the River. at: rafsportsfederation.uk/sports/
presented a fantastic opportunity to last, there was a lot to do. But London at the end of March. “We are now building for the raf-rowing-association or the
meet some of the country’s future amazingly, over just 1000m, the An association spokesman final push toward the first big event RAFRA Moss portal.
rowing stars. RAF took a nearly impossible win said: “Pleasingly for this time of the year.” Or on Twitter @RAF_Rowing_
The first of the two major which had all of the locals talking. of year, the river and weather The RAFRC will look to maintain Club.

RUGBY UNION
Amy helps hook Welsh Doyle with another

awesome foursome
Continued from page 27: the 56 minute for England to
th
in the 16 minute as Marlie Packer get near the hosts’ try line, when, LAC PADDY Doyle has carried on
th
went over for 17-0. with some superb backing up by his pursuit of fitness endurance
On the half-hour mark Cokayne Cokayne, the TMO was called into challenges and world records with
was central in a quick passing move action to decide if the ball had been a further four.
to spin the ball out to the right grounded. After what seemed like Doyle has added to his total
flank. With the attack halted just an age the decision was not given. at Maxstoke, Warwickshire with
10-yards out, she then sent in a line Cokayne was in the thick of things two new cross country course
out as England went over again. again 10 minutes later as another records – the first to fall was a
The hosts came back to score TMO decision, which again took seven kilometre run in km in 47
just before the break to make it ages, this time went England’s minutes and 57 seconds followed
29-5 and they carried this into way as Catherine O’Donnell was by 1500 metres in 13 minutes,
the second period. It took until adjudged to have touched down. 8:38 seconds carrying a 40lb pack.
There was one last unconverted He then achieved a fitness
try to come while Cokayne endurance challenge of 500 metres
remained on the pitch, as she was cross country carrying a 40lb pack
finally replaced after a lung-busting finishing in six minutes and 10.93
78 minutes. seconds.
Wins over Ireland 51-7 at The final endurance strength
Donnybrook, Dublin and then challenge featured 20 weight
41-26 over France at Castle Park, carrying walks over a 20 metre
Doncaster have seen the side top the course. Doyle carryied a 49lb solid
tournament table, a position they DRIVING FORCE: Main, rock and 42lb pack combination,
will look to build on to when they Cokayne with quick ball, completing 10 weight carry
face Scotland, the Scots without a inset, providing a line out walks in three minutes and 42.50
win in their three SN clashes. PHOTOS: SBS seconds.