Tees Tigers

2012 round up and look ahead to 2013

Rachel Tonks — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 18:43:33 +0000

I thought it was about time that we updated the website! 2012 was another canoeing filled year for all the tigers, with lots of promotions and improvements in polo and slalom, plus an introduction to sprint and WWR for some of the members. At the Christmas party at the end of the year these achievements were summed up with the Tigers awards ceremony, hosted once again by head coach Nicky Cresser, with the prestigious awards presented to the winners. And the winners were:

Junior Outstanding Achievement: Connor Turner
(For strong performances in WWR and sprint canoeing; briskly moving up the rankings in slalom, securing a place on the national programme for slalom; all whilst overcoming an injury)

Senior Outstanding Achievement: Chaz Cheung
(Represented GB at canoe polo senior level winning a Worlds silver medal and assisted the B-team to promotion to National League Division 2)

Most Improved Paddler (Simon Fletcher Memorial Shield): Ben Teasdale
(For massively improved confidence in a boat, competency in all canoeing disciplines (WWR, sprint, sea kayaking, polo, and slalom) and generally being much faster in everything!)

Volunteer Contribution: The Browns

Clean Runs: Calum Cresser

Plus for dubious sporting achievements there were numerous of the coveted ‘Broken Paddle’ awards presented!

The year ahead looks to be as busy as ever, with lots of events already planned. Dates for your diaries for Tiger organised events include (for slalom events check canoeslalom.co.uk for more details):

16th to 18th February – Grandtully winter training weekend (contact Darren Cresser for more information)
16th March – Div 4 short course pool slalom, Richmond swimming pool
29th March – Simon Fletcher Memorial Race and Div 4 short course slalom, Tees Watersports Centre
25th and 26th May – Abbey Rapids Div 2/3/4 slalom double
31st August and 1st September – Abbey Rapids Div 1/2 slalom
21st and 22nd September - Teesside Prem, Div 1/2 slalom

There will be lots of other events across the country that club members will be attending (slalom, polo and most likely some WWR and sprint as well) so check the forum out to see who is going where if you fancy coming along where there will be moral support!

Happy paddling!

Inter-regional slalom championships - 13th May, Nottingham

Rachel Tonks — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:21:44 +0000

There was a great turnout from the Tigers, as well as those from Hexham and Cleveland clubs, for the inter-regional slalom championships on 13th May at Nottingham. Best results for the North East in the main categories were Darren Cresser in the K1, finishing 14th, with Wendy Morris finishing 8th in the women’s K1 and Zac Allin 8th in the juniors. All paddlers put up a good show on a course which had a few key moves where valuable time (or 50s!) could be lost.

Special mention should be made of the gutsy paddlers who stepped up to the mark to ensure we had a C2 boat in the race and a full senior and women’s team. First of all it was fantastic to see the youngest Tiger Jake Brown show his teeth and overcome his fear as he went back around and through the gate in the looping pool … and I don’t think his Dad was the only one with tears in his eyes! I hope the new C2 pairing of Bethan Kelly and Brandon Watson were also smiling as they stayed upright all the way – which is more than Zak Franklin and his partner did! Maeve Woodhouse from Hexham was also facing her first time at HPP and with support and encouragement from all, also managed to get down (first run anyway!) and do really well to get us a time in what wasn’t an easy course for a Div 2 paddler!

Final results for the region are being put togther by John Sturgess and will be put up as soon as we have them….it was the taking part that counts…..(though I hope we beat the southerners!) .

Linda Allin

Our summer diary!

Rachel Tonks — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:20:04 +0000

We thought it would be good to share all the events over the summer that we are attending as a club, there will be others that individuals will go to, but these are the key ones that we are hoping for a good Tigers presence at!

If you are interested then please contact the named representative or look on www.canoeslalom.co.uk for slalom races and www.canoepolo.org.uk for polo tournaments.

Read on to get the dates for your diaries!

12th/13th May 2012
HPP slalom division 1/2 and Pan Celtic including inter regional competition
Contact Linda Allin for more details

19th/20th May 2012
Wagon Lane slalom division 3/4 double (Bradford)
Great place to start slalom, and great social - looking forward to a great weekend.
Contact Darren Cresser for more details at darren.cresser@canoe-england.org.uk

2nd/3rd June 2012
Abbey Rapids slalom division 2/3/4 – 2nd best race of the year!
Contact Tonksie for more details at jamestonks@hotmail.co.uk

9th/10th June 2012
Nottingham Sprint Regatta – need to get in quickly as we need to enter soon

1st July 2012
Coquet Island Race – Sea race

7th July 2012
Hull International polo

14th/15th July
National Champs Cardiff polo

21st/22nd July 2012
Howsham Wear slalom division 2/3/4 double

11th/12th August
London International polo

1st/2nd September
Abbey Rapids slalom division 1/2 – Biggest race of the year!
Including WWR sprint event on Saturday evening
Contact Nicky for more details at nicky.cresser@hotmail.co.uk

8th/9th September 2012
Slalom Interclubs – can we win it this year?

22nd/23rd September 2012
Prudhoe slalom division 3/4 double

Tees Tigers C season summary

Rachel Tonks — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:47:42 +0000

Firstly thank you to everyone who has played in the C-team this year, we came 8th overall which isn’t too bad for our first season playing together in Div. 3. We have had a mixed year this year with notable victories against Team Scotia who only lost 3 matches all year (the other 2 being to the B team) and came second overall, as well as Liverpool (the only team the B team couldn’t beat!) who came 4th overall. We have also had some notable losses to people we really should be beating… So an inconsistent year this year but all in all pretty good when you consider we had a different team at pretty much every tournament!

We were looking good to come about half way up the table until the last tournament so let’s make it our aim for next year to see it through to the end of the season!

Phil D, team captain

Tees Tigers A first tournament in Div 1

Rachel Tonks — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:18:34 +0000

With the B-team’s season concluding a week earlier, it was the A-team’s turn to show off the developments that have been going on at Tees Tigers over the last few years…

With expectations of a white wash with a relatively inexperienced team playing against the big hitters of the Canoe Polo world, the journey down to Coventry was apprehensive to say the least! We got their early to get some competition fuel (Nando’s was a suitable alternative!) and came up with a plan of attack.

Game one against Meridian C was anticipated to be a bit of a struggle, but a final score of 7-2 wasn’t too bad and to be fair to our lot, didn’t necessarily reflect how much of apresence we had in the game. Game two saw us match up against Meridian A, a very experienced team who have been competing at the highest level both nationally and internationally for a number of years. The game started well and we had several opportunities to take an early lead. The opportunities kept coming as the match went on and a final score of 3-1 to them showed how close the game was fought and a bit of practicing of finishing should see us having a better chance at the next tournament.

The final game of the night was against Aberfan, a team who have been in Div 1 for a couple of seasons, and being well on the Tigers’ radar for an upset! The game started quite cautiously on our part and led to us being a goal down at half time. Some hard graft and determination in the second half had us level going into the last minute, but Aberfan defended well and the Tigers were only able to create half chances. With the clock ticking, we were awarded a penalty in the dying seconds, after George was fouled. Final score 3-2 to the A-team, and the first 3 points of the season.

The night was a relative success, with a win and two games where we kept the goal difference down. Lets see if we can improve on this going into the next couple of tournaments…

Nicky

Div 3 North Winners!

Rachel Tonks — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:16:12 +0000

Following a disappointing National League season last year, a new look team consisting of Chaz Cheung (Captain) and Andy Rhu from last year and new additions of James Tonks and Mark Ledger both from the C team and transfers of Andrew Hood and Ross Martin from Team Scotia and Morpeth respectively, Tees Tigers B were determined to get back up into Div 2 North.

Read on to find out more about their season.

The national league season consist of 6 tournaments with each team attending 4. Tees Tigers B won a total of 16 games and drew 2 (both with Liverpool) collecting a total of 50 points and winning the league by a clear 9 points, smashing 71 goals past the opposition whilst only conceding 13. Goal scorers included an impressive tally of 20 for Chaz, 15 for Ross, 14 for Ledger, 11 for Tonksie and the remaining 11 between Andy and Hoodie.

The first tournament was 29th October in Stockport – 4 wins and 1 draw inc 6-0 win over Tees Tigers C
The second tournament was 19th November in York – 4 wins
The third tournament was 14th January at West Denton – 3 wins and 1 draw inc 5-3 win over Tees Tigers C
The fourth tournament was 11th February at Stockport – 5 wins

Further details of the results can be found at:

http://www.canoepolo.org.uk/index.php/open/div3n-natlge

A spot of open boating

Rachel Tonks — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:23:53 +0000

With the last date of the Division 1 section of local league being tied up on the Saturday a few of us thought that there wouldn’t be anything better to do of a Sunday than have an early morning crash around in Tynemouth pool, followed by a hearty breakfast and a bit of open boating.The pool session’s 7am start was fairly uneventful (nobody mention my incompetence at turning the alarm off and the ensuing sirens!).

Breakfast was polished off quickly and we were off to splash about on the river Coquet! With Gail acting as our guide, we set off to traverse the trickiest section first. I bobbed down with a little wobble, but was non the worse for the experience. Paul and one of my teacher friends, John who had fancied a bit of canoeing for a while, were next. Talk about thrown in at the deep end, they both took a dip on the first rapid that resulted in their boat “taking a rest” on a rock in the middle of the river! A good use of lines and the boat was freed. Phil and Andy decide that it was all too much trouble and they would portage! I collected Gail at the bottom and we were on our way.

The stretch we paddled was very picturesque and well worth a paddle if we head up that way again and, after the first few drops, easily manageable by paddlers of any ability. I think I’ve found a hobby for my old age, but for the time being I’ll stick to the old slalom and polo.

Thanks Gail for organising and Durham Uni for the loan of the oats, we’ll have to get another date in the diary!

Nicky xx

North East local league wraps up for another year

Rachel Tonks — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:52:43 +0000

North East Local League 2012 ran by Tees Tigers Canoe Club was a storming success again this year. After a difficult start, having to find a new venue and rearrange the format, things ran smoothly. The last two tournaments saw the league split into two, a ‘Division 1’ tournament and a ‘Division 2’ tournament. The ‘Division 1’ tournament crowned Tees Tigers B team champions after beating all other teams with strong performances leading on points and with a healthy goal difference. The local league Tees Tigers B team consisted of Chaz Cheung, Matt Fletcher, Andy Rhucroft, Scott Cresswell, Mark Ledger, James Tonks (photo below minus captain Chaz Cheung).

The final league table is as follows:

1- Tees Tigers B
2- Tees Tigers A
3- Tynemouth Canoe Club
4- Durham University A
5- Morpeth Paddlesport Club
6- Newcastle Old Boys
7- Newcastle University A
8- Durham University B
9- Hexham Canoe Club
10- Newcastle University B

(Editor’s note) Thanks to everyone who played, reffed, helped set up, brought equipment along, locked up and dealt with the pool alarm system! And special thanks to Gail for organising the league and all it’s complications!

River Wear Boxing Day Race 2011

Rachel Tonks — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:59:51 +0000

This fantastic traditional event has run since the early 1960s with only one cancellation on record - last year! With contrasting mild temperatures and plenty of glacial-melt this year’s event was well supported as usual by those wanting to burn off that extra helping of christmas pud and choccies from the previous day.

A wide variety of craft were spread across the 60 starters with particularly strong contingents from Tees Tigers and Stockton and Thornaby clubs. A new Hare and Hounds format had the touring class start 8 minutes ahead of the racers and this will only need to be tweaked slightly for next year as it was quite late in the race that the leading touring class paddler was overhauled. Full credit then to George Marley of Sunderland who in the SuperVet category held off his younger and dare I say it ‘more race-conditioned’ competitors to take the touring class in 40.50. As I overtook him he was asking for his margin of lead as he was too in the zone / inflexible to look over his shoulder at those behind him.

Winner overall by a narrow margin was Nicky Cresser of Tees Tigers in 38.38 who had a great but “controlled” dual with Olly Wickham of Sunderland all the way down the course. Darren Cresser romped home to the third podium place showing that parenthood hasn’t slowed him too much. Sandra Hyslop of Durham Uni did a great job keeping the men ahead within sight for the whole race to be first lady home in 39.59. Other notable performances were the Williamson duo who stroked a precise race as first Canadian double in 46.18, Andrew Martin as first junior closely followed by the U14 Kris Wilko. Bethan Kelly showed strong technique to be the leading junior girl. Credit also to Connor Turner and Calum Cresser who produced strong performances in their first Wildwater Racing boat events. (Click below to see the full results)

All were able to claim their finishers T-shirts and snacks provided courtesy of the event sponsor Rapid 9 signs. The Wickham family have been long supporters of this event so thanks to them we have been able to present to Saint Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham a cheque for £262.

So thanks for coming and bring along your friends to next year’s race.

Michael Mason

* Racing Class includes 8 mins handicap

Name	Bib	Club	Class	Age	Time
Nicky Cresser	9	Tees Tigers	Racing		38.38
Olly Wickham	6	Rapid 9 Signs	Racing		38.42
Darren Cresser	10	Tees Tigers	Racing		39.12
Michael Mason	8	DICK	Racing		39.18
Sandra Hyslop	4	Durham Uni	Racing		39.59
Mark Ledger	2	Tees Tigers	Racing		40.20
George Marley	63	Sunderland	Touring	SuperVet	40.50
Andrew Martin	52	Tees Tigers	Touring	18	41.12
Chaz Cheung	26	Tees Tigers	Touring		41.15
Andy Rhucroft	25	Tees Tigers	Touring		41.16
Kris Wilko	46	Tees Tigers	Touring	13	41.24
David Mills	27	HOAA	Touring	SuperVet	42.03
Russell Rowell	33	Tees Tigers	Touring	16	43.37
Ali Rowell	32	Tees Tigers	Touring		43.46
Bethan Kelly	42	Tees Tigers	Touring	14	43.58
Morgan Wigham	43	Tees Tigers	Touring	15	44.01
Connor Turner	7	Tees Tigers	Racing	13	45.17
Keith Wickham	5	Gate 7	Racing	SuperVet	45.31
Williamson x2	64	Independant	Touring	13, S	46.18
Calum Cresser	3	Tees Tigers	Racing	15	46.37
Ray Hudspith	1	Tyne Valley	Racing		46.41
Terry Colby	59	Independant	Touring		47.25
Richard/Koch	58	HOAA	Touring		48.20
Geoff/James	57	HOAA	Touring		49.03
Jonathon Keay	28	STCC	Touring	18	49.32
Ben Watson	24	Tees Tigers	Touring	16	49.35
Stuart Fawcett	54	STCC	Touring		50.43
Charlie Horsley	56	DICK	Touring	Vet	51.06
James Lakey	39	STCC	Touring	17	52.50
James Martin	55	STCC	Touring	16	52.54
Lisa Hamilton	41	Roker CC	Touring		55.41
Mike Jenkins	40	Roker CC	Touring	Vet	55.48
Jenny Hall	44	DICK	Touring		56.11
Sally Caley	45	STCC	Touring		57.22
Mick Garrett	50	STCC	Touring	Vet	57.47
Mark Robinson	30	Durham Uni	Touring		60.37
Craig Robinson	31	Durham Uni	Touring		60.48
Michala Gardner	29	Durham Uni	Touring		60.56
Coulson x2	51	Liverpool CC	Touring		74.30
Rory Robertson	21	STCC	Touring		74.43
Craig Watermore	32	STCC	Touring		74.46
Richard Lord	47	STCC	Touring		82.17
Plus others…

Tigers test their speed

Rachel Tonks — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 09:41:41 +0000

Christmas may well be coming and the goose may be getting fat, so thought we could do with testing what progress we are making! With the kind offer from St John’s of using their pool in the school christmas holidays, we jumped at the chance to get some times done! It was a good opportunity to analyse breakout technique and video along with having the chance to take a look at a breakdown of times.

We got some excellent performances that will act as a benchmark for future tests and everyone should have now received a copy of the spreadsheet that has everyone’s times along with an individual breakdown and feedback.

I’m looking at booking a date over easter to get another test done to see how we’re getting on!

Nicky