Tim, Neil & I (Harry) met up with the West Forest guys at the George pub in Winnersh.

Steve Dumper had organised the boats and we were offered the option of £10 per head or £30 per team and we could keep the boat. Deal of the day & we are now the proud owners of an inflatable dingy (albeit of questionable quality after our adventures!).

We fuelled up at the bar whilst James & co prepared the armada to set sail. After a couple of pints Brendan & James ventured into the water quickly followed by the rest of us. Ian had foolishly offered to pair up with me whilst Tim & Neil launched “Big Bertha” (Steve’s own 3 man dingy). In all five boats set sail.

After the initial chaos, we all managed to set off in the same direction. Plenty of banter & mucking around ensued much to the consternation of the local angling community!

Steve’s team took an early lead but then came to a weir. They desperately tried to back paddle & warn the rest of us only to be passed by Tim & Neil who went straight over! That was it, we all had to do it. We seemed to have most of the river in our boat by the time we got through.

To liven matters up further, Tim decided to climb on an overhanging branch (being a boy as he explained to a disgruntled passer-by) and threatened to jump into one of the other boats. We all managed to avoid him, so he decided to go for a swim in the end (see photo gallery).

As the river wound its way, it became more of an obstacle course than a boat race; next year I’m bringing a machete.

Finally we made it to the Lands End pub in Twyford (a bit later than planned). We dripped our way to the bar for refreshments & ordered food.

All in all, a great night out. I’m already looking forward to next year, especially as Tim has volunteered to organise it on the River Blackwater!

Harry