By member Jim Tate.
There’s a point, as the seasons change, when a shaft of late Spring light hits the spires of St Mary’s Cathedral and reflects directly onto the famous brass doors. It only lasts about three days each year, but the sense of divine intervention is not lost on the Handicapper when 12 very competitive apostles gather for the 14th running of the Christmas Blade – Tattersalls’ Annual Rowing Ergometer Challenge.
Some might think it unusual for the Almighty’s attention to be drawn to a small coterie doing its best work as dawn breaks, but He has form in this regard. Even St Peter could have done with some hardcore erg training to get his catch to market more quickly. Maybe the Big Fella’s shaft of reflected light is a warning not to dismiss getting your basic skills up to par. If so, He would have been well pleased with this year’s disciples, most backing up after years of practice, with the odd new convert thrown in.
The 12 were divided into two heats of six. In Heat 1, defending champion Michael Guilday faced a competitive field including Nichole Donovan, Martin McConnell, Annaleise Norsworthy and Peter Hedge, with John “The Baptist” Edstein ensuring calm waters. Heat 2 featured Peter Obern, David Vaughan, Ian McLachlan, Danielle Pringle and James Duncan. Former Tatts’ secretary Desmond “Judas” Mulcahy also sought absolution for his defection to Royal Sydney.
The Handicapper has been praying for weeks, supplemented by several slabs of Altar wine, to set individual targets that would result in salvation for all. God works in mysterious ways, but the Handicapper generally needs to get it right.
Heat 1 saw Martin McConnell lead the way with strong support from Donovan and Norsworthy. McConnell posted a superb time that would take some beating.
Heat 2 knew there was work to be done. Obern and Pringle performed brilliantly, but God recognised McLachlan’s abstemious efforts over the past 40 days and 40 nights. His post-Lenten form saw him cross first.
“And God saw that it was good… and it was good” – McLachlan took a narrow yet decisive victory, covering his assigned 4,775m in 19:47. McConnell was only one and a half strokes behind.
Great efforts all around, but special mention to Nichole Donovan who smashed her personal best by over 200m. The rest of the Chosen performed magnificently and were rewarded with a generous Supper in the Club Bar afterwards.
Congratulations, Ian. Your name now goes onto the Blade for the first and, if the Handicapper does his job correctly, the last time. Congratulations to all our parishioners who find glory in the anonymity of weekly discipline and shared effort.
See you at the Fisho’s!
