Beccles Rowing Club sent an impressive armada of boats to compete in the prestigious and nationally-recognised Peterborough Regatta on Sunday.The purpose-built venue boasts a five-lane 500m straight course and a fabulous turnout both in terms of top national, and even some international, rowing clubs and spectators who turn out in their thousands.

Beccles Rowing Club sent an impressive armada of boats to compete in the prestigious and nationally-recognised Peterborough Regatta on Sunday.

The purpose-built venue boasts a five-lane 500m straight course and a fabulous turnout both in terms of top national, and even some international, rowing clubs and spectators who turn out in their thousands.

Anna B and Rebecca Banham debuted on the big stage with a time of 2:32 in the J15 category and put a very clean, controlled and competitive performance that suggests they have a very promising future in the double.

The flagship men's four of Mark Adcock, Mark Taylor, James Gilbert and Jake Beale, coxed by the serene Midge Beedham doubled up in both the novice and the senior four categories where they had contrasting races.

In the S4 section, false starts caused distraction and the crew recorded a time of 1:54 to leave them short of qualification. In the novice section, however, a much improved time of 1:47 saw them extremely unlucky not to progress after a dynamic race. In many of the other heats their time would have seen them through to the semi-final stages.

The mixed four of Liz Beedham, Rebecca Haste, John Collins and Chris Humphries under the watchful eye of cox Rebecca Banham also suffered start-line dramas as their steering snapped forcing a re-start.

Holding onto only bare wires Banham retained her customary coolness under pressure and the crew performed brightly and were unlucky not to progress.

Thanks go to ground crew Robin De Vere Green, James Lowry-Benitez-Bartram and Charlie Earl, who towed the trailer, coached and offered great support. The club looks forward to the Bedford Quarts event on Sunday, July 6 with renewed vigour and optimism.

Those interested in joining or supporting Beccles Rowing Club are encouraged to visit www.becclesrowingclub.co.uk