Hometown clubs totally dominated the Autumn Head of the River time trials held on Sunday over a 2,000m course on the Great Ouse, picking up 20 race Wins.

Hosts Bedford RC won six events, writes John Mingay.

Bill Sadler, Richard White, Paul Allen & Hugh Maltby were the fastest four of the day, winning the Senior 2 coxless category in 7mins 13secs.

Fastest Double scull was the club's Andy Hardwick and Michael Hardy, covering the course in 7mins 31secs.

James Beechinor took the Junior 16 years single sculls ahead of nine rivals, and at the other end of the age scale 'old' Bill Sadler took the Veteran E award for the Over 55's.

Bedford's Veteran four were victorious in 7mins 55secs, and the ladies kept their end up as Lydia Swift, Claire Newton, Vicky Rigby, Claire Higins and Nicky Cooper won the Women's Senior 2 event.

Bedford RC also notched six runners-up berths, marking an upturn in fortunes at the beginning of their 119th season.

Written by John Mingay, appeared in the Times & Citizen on Friday 21st October 2005