Novice crew enjoy their Thames contest
SUNDAY saw Stratford Boat Club’s novice E masters women’s VIII take on the mighty Thames Tideway for the Vesta International Masters Head of The River Race in clear, calm and dry conditions, despite an adverse forecast.
Expertly coxed by Alistair Washborn, the crew benefitted from a focused warm up over 7km and a clear race plan. Ellie Davis (stroke) set the pace, followed by Lin Hansen, Jane Cryer, Katie Burman, Geraldine Chorley, Abby Symons, Vicky Millward (Worcester Rowing Club) and Gina Fusco (bow).
Setting off at a brisk 31 strokes per minute before settling to a solid 30 strokes per minute, the Stratford boat quickly overtook local rivals Evesham which greatly boosted the morale of the Stratford crew.
They went on to overtake a second boat, Marlow, and, having worked hard, the crew started to flag before great calls from Washborn at Hammersmith Bridge galvanised the ladies into action.
A third boat was confidently overtaken and Stratford finished the course in 23.59 mins to win their division.
Crew captain Davis said: “It was a fantastic win for a crew that came together exceptionally well and we all had a fantastic day.”
The women’s masters C8+ was coxed by Jen Carey, stroked by Rebecca England with Fiona Shultz, Lucy Scarlett, Ruth Poulten, Caroline Collins, Corinna Burger, Clare Booth and Rona Fitzpatrick in the bow.
The Stratford’s Women’s Masters’ C VIII had the misfortune to have a blade come out of its gate. This lost several seconds for the hampered crew but they regained the blade and had a very positive row to complete the course in 23.40mins.
The women’s crews were named ‘Imogen’ and ‘Erin’, after Imogen Grant MBE and Erin Kennedy OBE. On hearing of the crew’s win, the latter sent a personal message to the crew – ‘Wow! That is amazing! Send a huge congrats from me!’
Amanda Bowden, masters’ vice-captain, said: “The women’s squad has been growing and training harder over the season, so to finish the head race season with a victory in London is incredible. We are now looking forward to the regatta season.”
