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  Last updated 24th May 1997

Kettle wins as Haining stops and Pattullo challenges.

Peter Haining lost his Wingfield Sculls title to Martin Kettle after leading the field of six at the Mile Post. "I can't race and cough at the same time," said the Scot who has won the Putney to Mortlake event for the last three years. He stopped sculling at Harrods Depository, affected by the virus which has kept him low for six weeks. At this point Kettle, a marked man this year after winning the Scullers Head of the River Race, pushed ahead and built himself a lead at Hammersmith Bridge sufficient to command the race.

Kettle of Queens Tower said it was the hardest race he'd ever had. "Haining was not looking zippy. Usually he gets near you and follows you around, but this time I was able to get alongside him." Tom Gale of Queen's Tower made a couple of attempts to get close to Kettle, but the final challenge came from the Scottish champion David Pattullo who closed fast after Barnes Bridge. Alex Wake and Ian Watson brought up the rear.

Wingfield Sculls (Putney to Mortlake)

Intermediates (Kettle unless stated):
Mile: 4.39 (Haining)
Hammersmith Bridge 8.11
Chiswick Steps ntt
Barnes Bridge 17.06.

© Copyright C. Dodd, 1997.