The Franckeiss Cup originated in the 1920s as a rowing competition for cross-country runners by R H Franckeiss a member of both Ranelagh Harriers and rowing clubs – it was revived last year to use Thames racing skiffs. The races on Sunday were between Hercules Wimbledon, Thames Hare and Hounds and Walton AC in both mens and mixed doubles.
The Mens final was a win for Hercules Wimbledon, who had a very powerful start, in a time of 2.43. It was very much a family affair with CD Riches (twice winner of the Silver Goblets at Henley) partnered by his son Peter
with daughter Rebekah as cox The fight between the second and third was extraordinarily close with Thames Hare and Hounds just edging the second Hercules crew.
The Mixed Doubles final was fought right to the finish, with the Walton AC crew level with Hercules Wimbledon until the final strokes – the time tells it, faster by 3 seconds than the mens’ doubles. Hercules won again against the Walton crew which included Kevin Sheppard, a GB javelin thrower, partnered by Lisa Adams and coxed by Rachel Workman.
The prizes were presented by Alan Hedger of Ranelagh Harriers.
