WALLINGFORD could land only two successes when hosting their Long Distance Sculls meeting at the weekend.

The 4,250m event is a popular fixture in the rowing calendar, but has crept forward a week.

This, in the opinion of event chairman Ben Townsend, contributed to a drop in entries this year.

Even with around 100 boats fewer than usual, the 400 who did race over the three divisions provided plenty of fierce competition in fine but blustery conditions, with the trophies being spread around.

Though too early in the term for most student crews, Oxford University’s women and lightweight men featured in many categories.

But they were victorious in only the women’s IM1 single – through American newcomer Chloe Laverack – and the men’s IM1 double.

The Dark Blues’ lightweights came second in the latter event with the brothers Jamie and Sam Diserens, formerly from Wallingford, in third place.

Though securing six runners-up places, Wallingford had only two winning crews.

The reliable Sean Morris took the over 65’s G single, while the women’s masters D double went to the somewhat younger Rachel Edge and Jenny Taylor, who finished as the fastest women’s double scull.

Abingdon’s Charlotte Rowley won the J15 single in the shorter 1500m junior division, with Wallingford’s Hannah Wilkinson second.

Back on the full course, St Edward’s Martyrs found success in the masters C double scull (John Wiggins and Hamish Roots) while their masters A quad, without direct opposition, could only take pleasure in finishing as fastest boat in the afternoon division.