Whoa What A Race! Derwent Doctor 2011
- Details
- Category: Race Article
Yesterdays second instalment of the 2011/12 Summer Series saw a massive field take on the small but technical conditions. Division One set off from Kingston Beach with a gun field of 21 paddlers blasting off the line towards the pontoon at the far end of the beach. Todd Sargison showed the mind numbing ergo sessions are paying off, setting a blistering pace off the line that few could follow. Ben Maynard rounded the mark in second with Luke O'Geary, Matt Dlaziel, Marty Stephenson and Cooka all desperately trying to stay in contact.
As the race headed towards Alum Cliffs Ben Maynard and Luke O'Geary started to show their hands with successive accelerations causing fast starter Sargison to fall behind by a boat length while Dalziel sat comfortably on the side wash. The group behind had shattered as Ace Petrie decided to try his hand at getting across and quickly motored away from Cooka and Marty. Further inside Stuey Lawless had Sprotty in tow and was looking strong while Travis Woods was further outside but about the same position relative to the leaders. Behind them Scotty Knighton was dangling off the front of a large bunch headed by Marty Demangone and Don Marsh.
Passing Taroona High School and the Div Two paddlers who were about to start Dalziel put in a strong acceleration in a bid to get away. This was followed by a strong surge by Ben but neither of them could break the shackles. Luke looked at them both and realised they were fully stretched. Seizing the advantage he put in a solid 30 second interval that saw him quickly gain two boat lengths despite Ben and Matt desperately trying to stay on the wash. Still chasing behind Todd was being hunted by Cooka and Ace while behind them Marty was being chased by Stuey and Jim Stubbs with Sprotty's lack of miles starting to take their toll as he slipped out the back to be caught by Travis. At the finish it was the Northern Raider in Luke taking a strong win from Matt and Ben followed by Todd in 4th.
Division Two set out on the shorter course from Taroona Beach about half an hour after Div One left Kingston. Lead by Bobby Burne they managed to latch on to the coat tails of the big bunch of Div One, so it was a case of get in and hold on. Paul Templar looked the goods towards the finish but it was young Bobby Burne that managed to get away to take the win. Bobby now leads the Div Two series after taking his second straight win following on from his Carlton triumph in October.
Allie Britton flew the flag for the ladies as the only woman to take on the long course with Ruth Hutchenson the sole female in Div Two, well done girls. Thanks to Rexy and Anne for start and finish duties.
