Two crews of rowers who had never picked up an oar completed their first race - just two months after stepping into a boat for the first time.

After ten training sessions of aching limbs and blistered hands with the City of Bristol Rowing Club, the mix of young mothers, charity planners, IT professionals and other novices from across Bristol, found themselves on the river at St Anne's.

This was no gentle introduction to rowing, ahead of them a 4.5km challenge on a twisting course along the River Avon.

But just over 20 minutes later the sense of achievement and elation was etched on their faces as they crossed the finishing line, even if some in the two crews of eight struggled to speak afterwards with exhaustion.

Shona Rodger, 42, had watched early morning City of Bristol squad training on her way to work and "wanted to give it a go".

She said: "I had a fantastic first race experience, we all rowed really well together and Nicky, our cox, was superb."

Leander Clark, 30, the mother of a 13-month-old son, first tried rowing whilst competing in a triathlon and was bitten by the bug and now plans to join the club's development squad.

"We were all really nervous about the first race. Would we make it? Would we stay in the boat? But despite breaking a seat, we all felt a great sense of achievement and crossed the line feeling strong and a little glad it was over.

"For me it was a great way to celebrate the end of the learn to row course."

Digital planner Emma Grebezs, 38, also joined the City of Bristol's learn to row course at the beginning of September.

She said: "As a team we all rowed so well. It was pure bliss."

The crews' first race last Saturday at rivals Bristol Ariel Rowing Club was not all plain sailing.

One boat suffered a broken bow seat and Chris Turner in the stroke position of the other rowed more than half of the race with a broken blade.

If you are interested in learning to row why not join the corporate row event planned for next summer. For more information go to www.bristolrowing.co.uk