Southampton's 'Head of the River Race' completed the pre-season events and left few indicators as to who will be eventual Championship winners.

Ryde, with Mark Jenner, Nick Pike, Matt Allsop and Ian Hayden (stroke) took the Men's Head Pennant in 17.16 with Coalporters B (17.20) second.

Reigning champions BTC, still looking for a settled combination following the retirement of Mark Weaver and Paul Lindley, were third in 17.22.

Christchurch's future success looks secure with last season's Junior Four of Dan Bathelor, Sam Vye, Mike Ryan and Mike Kelly (Stroke) with Emily Walshaw (cox) moving up a status to finish fourth, taking the Junior Senior title in 17.32.

The big disappointment this season is the lack of Junior oarsmen, with only BTC able to put out a crew.

But interest in Veteran racing continues to grow, with Southsea's squad of past sculling champions winning their section in a handicap corrected time of 17.35.

They will make a strong challenge for this season's South Coast Championship honours when Veteran racing will be included for the first time as a championship event.

In division two, Itchen Imperial's Novice Mens Four team of Tom Stillwell, Alan Wells, James Foad, Russell Benham (stroke) and Tom Foad (Cox) won in 19.32 from Poole (20.08).

BTC's Novice Ladies team of Louise Hunter, Jane Newman, Jenni Skinner, Alison Gibson (stroke) and Catherine Hume (Cox) were third in 23.41 from Coalporters (23.45).

Disappointment again in the Ladies Junior section with only two crews entered, Southsea (22.34) winning from Southampton (24.54).

Coalporter's Senior Ladies team of S Wallach, F Scrimgeour, C Paget, C Munday (stroke) Claire Chmarney (cox) gained the division two Pennant in 21.10 from BTC B (21.41).