The team at Ottery Brewery joined the Lyme Regis Gig Club for a day of departmental racing in glorious sunshine.

The day included some tremendous racing over a sprint course off the Cobb between the various departments at the brewery.

The Plate final was a hotly contested affair off the start line but the smooth action of the Office staff saw them pull away from the Drivers. The main final pitched the Sales team against the Brewers in what turned out to be the race of the day.

Following a frenetic start, the Sales team pulled clear when the Brewers bow man caught a crab on consecutive strokes, depleting his supply of soft pins. Undeterred, the Brewers settled in to a steady rhythm and began to claw back the two-length advantage they had given away.

With the finish line fast approaching, they drew up level before breaking the spirit of their colleagues and pulling ahead to a decisive victory.

Midweek Herald: Derek the Otter with Brewery and Gig Club rowers at the end of the final raceDerek the Otter with Brewery and Gig Club rowers at the end of the final race (Image: LRGC)

Midweek Herald: Teams head out for a raceTeams head out for a race (Image: LRGC)

Midweek Herald: Derek the Otter and all the rowers celebrate the end of the final raceDerek the Otter and all the rowers celebrate the end of the final race (Image: LRGC)