Rowing Success – 5 out of 6 Boats in the top 10 at Schools Head of the River Race (SHORR) and the Junior Sculling Head at Dorney Lake
Schools Head of the River Race
On Monday 14 March the 1st VIII, Mixed 4X- and J15 1st VIII raced on the famous Championship Course on the River Thames – the same stretch of River that hosts the annual Boat Race. Just under 400 boats were racing on the Thames with competition from Schools and Clubs from across the UK. In unusually benign conditions (we even had a strange orange glow from the sky), our boats were pushed off from our host club Putney Town Rowing Club.
The 1st VIII set off in 21st position with the aim to hold or improve their placing, a tall order considering the last-minute injury replacement, however a strong start saw the 8+ overtake London Oratory School by Barnes Bridge and judging by the telemetry data the boys powered on for just over 18 minutes to secure 6th place in their category from 26 boats.
The Mixed 4X- of Daniel Conway, Maisie Humphrey, Herbie Hilyer and Florence Carter enjoyed an equally challenging race overcoming Westminster School in the final 5 minutes. Steered by Florence, the challenge is not only racing hard but keeping the boat in the fast stream (not easy when facing the wrong way). A fantastic race put the boat in 5th place from 13 crews.
The result of the day came from the M5 boys 8+. They enjoyed a fast and aggressive start and laying down an impervious rhythm throughout the 4 1/4miles eating up crews securing a 2nd place in their category just missing out on the pennant by 2s. Overall their time put them in 4th place Nationally for their age. Thanks goes to Mrs Barrell and Mrs Conway.
Crews:
1st VIII: T Finch (cox), S Cooper, M Doylend, D Wright, M Murray, A McCabe, C Carter, K Whitaker, G McKean
Mx 4X-: D Conway, H Hilyer, M Humphrey, F Carter
J15 1st VIII: A Morgan (cox), D Neville, C Doylend, Z Baker, A Hitchings, S O’Shea, R Francis, D White, P Lerner
Junior Sculling Head
On Wednesday 16th March selected crews enjoyed a very wet day at Dorney Lake, home to Eton College and the 2012 Olympic rowing lake.
Despite the rain the water was flat which lent itself to some great competitive racing.
The J17 4X- of D Conway, D Wright, C Carter and G McKean showed a mean turn of speed, racing the two 1800m legs with gusto. They placed a very creditable 5th from 19 boats.
Next was the turn of the M5 girls racing in WJ15 8X+ (octopules). The competition was fierce with Surbiton School boating 4 octo’s. However, with confidence from their fitness sessions and power gained from the new Strength and Conditioning coach (Mr Douglas), and of course technical prowess from Mrs Barrell the girls found a strong rhythm and flew over the 3600m course. This was the first time the Boat Club has had enough girls to race an VIII competitively and they achieved a very impressive 7th place from 21 crews, only 5s off 3rd place.
Our final boat was the J15 4X+, who put in a valiant effort against a huge field of J15 boats. The boys gained some valuable experience and were placed 41 from 59 crews.
Well done to everyone who raced and to be part of a such a huge national junior competition with over 500 crews racing from Schools and Clubs across the Country – smiles all round.
Thanks goes to Mrs Barrell and Dr Musgrave.
Crews :
J17 4X- : D Conway, C Carter, D Wright, G McKean
WJ15 8X+: L Nguyen (cox), C Gregory, A Finch, E Jarvis, F Osborne, E Murray, E Cunningham, M Garvey, C Feeney.
J15 4X+: A Morgan (cox), S O’Malley, B Karlsen-Evans, T Bowyer, G Bellingall
