When I finally won my first pot and point last summer, there was one thing missing that made it not quite complete. My rowing buddy and partner in crime Susy wasn’t in the boat. After all the near misses, close shaves and disappointments we’d been through in our attempts to lose our novice status, my excitement and delight was always muted by the knowledge that Susy was still an IM3-in-waiting.
Until this month, at Llandaff, when the Monmouth ladies spent two days tearing up the Taff. This time it was my turn not to be there (I was off at a family reunion), but at last Susy won her point in a closely-fought race. So, to my delight, did my opposite number, Mandy, who has consistently turned in uncannily similar erg scores to mine and raced in front of me for my first London head.
They were actually happier than they look…
So far, so thrilling. But then the following day four of our finest novice ladies stormed to victory in the women’s novice four. More swimming and splashing.
Dunking, in the time-honoured tradition.
But here’s the thing. I’m aware there are a few other novice ladies who weren’t in the boat, and who are still waiting for that first win. All I can say is that I know how that feels. It sucks. I’m not going to say, “Your day will come”, because that was my very most hated expression during my own wait. What I will do, though, is cheer you up with the photo of the year, with ex-novice Susy inexplicably emerging, alien-style, from Mandy’s belly. There. Bet you’re laughing now.
I can’t even…
