Dover duo claim Viking Shield

DOVER Rowing Club were in action at the weekend in the 100th Viking Shield Regatta in Herne Bay against six other CARA clubs.

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The main event is the Open Senior Pairs where crews compete for the Viking Shield and the right to host next year’s regatta.

Jasper Mallet and Will Coleman competed for Dover. Their start was near disastrous as a wave knocked Mallet from his seat but his calm head meant he immediately regained it and they set off, chasing down the other crews. At the halfway point on the 2km course Dover's crew had regained ground and made a sharp turn coming out in the lead. A hard push saw them extend their lead over Folkestone's pair to gain a comfortable win as they crossed the line, securing the shield for the first time in decades for the club.

The Open Senior Four featured Jon Cook, Coleman, Mallet, Tom Stothart, coxed by Lee Stampton. They had a clean start moving quickly into their rhythm as they charged down the course. Through the turn they took advantage of the inside line and steadily increased their lead over Herne Bay to secure the win.