Haywood fights back after Pickford points way to line (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Haywood fights back after Pickford points way to line

THE Evesham club was a mass of colour last weekend when a huge turnout of members were intent on enjoying the autumn sunshine and a good breeze blowing straight up the river.

As in the past few weeks the start line was a busy place to be with boats jockeying for position.

John Pickford stole a march on his rivals by settling for the non-favoured left bank and, with the help of an unexpected windshift, took an early lead.

Peter Green, sailing a borrowed boat, headed the craft on the right-hand side. Negotiating a tricky course set by Stuart Bonham several infringements took place with subsequent penalties having to be taken.

As the race slowly settled down, Ian Haywood, with Paul and Anne Baylis in pursuit, steadily closed on the leading pair and from then on it was nip and tuck to the finish.

Although Pickford was forced to give up the lead several times he was in front at the end with Haywood and the Baylis's taking second and third respectively.

The second race was a similar affair when again the start saw some high-speed manoeuvring but with the wind having picked up a little several boats just avoided going over.

Again it was the boats of Haywood and Pickford that sneaked into a small lead but the whole fleet was only just off the front pair with competition exciting and close with boats changing places continuously.

This time it was Haywood who was in front at the finish ahead of Pickford and Adam Styles who held off many of the more experienced and powerful challengers.