VIDEO: Smith proud as Stratford shine at Henley Royal Regatta

STRATFORD Boat Club are celebrating after reaching a quarter-final at this year’s prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. The club’s senior men’s coxed four reached the last eight of the Britannia Challenge Cup thanks to a thrilling victory in the heats against Kingston Rowing Club.

That earned them a race against talented American outfit Utah, where the team of Martin Hotton, James Reeder, Ben Twiney, Chris Thomas and cox Becky Stokes were narrowly beaten.

Stratford’s race against Utah, one of the seeded crews from overseas, was televised on YouTube and other sports channels, where other members of the club watched the race unfold live.

Captain of Boats, Oliver Smith, said he was proud of his team’s performance against a classy Utah crew.

“We are very proud of them and what they have achieved for Stratford,” he said.

“Having won by one whole foot against Kingston Rowing Club, Stratford wanted to increase that winning margin for their own satisfaction as well as our nerves, but we knew that they would have their work cut out to win against Utah.

“The atmosphere in the club room was absolutely electrifying as we all cheered our colleagues on, but sadly it wasn’t to be.”