Stratford Represent West Midlands with Pride

Following selection trials several weeks ago, Saturday last saw four Stratford upon Avon Boat Club Junior crews representing the West Midlands Region at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta which was held at the National Water Sports Centre at Nottingham.

Racing over 1500 metres at Holme Pierrepont, Stratford’s athletes put in great performances in the heats and the finals.

First to go was Joe Hodson in his single scull in the Junior 15 age group: following a brave performance in his heat and against strong competition, he finished in fifth in his final with a controlled and well managed racing plan. A crew of girls in the fifteen age group competed in the coxed fours’ event. Although new to sweep rowing (one oar per athlete), Autumn Keil, Molly Gill-Swift, Khloe Curnock and Katie Philips, coxed impeccably by Mimi Hill, qualified on time for the A final. A super performance against formidable opposition from Henley Rowing Club, Latymer Upper School and Becket School saw them come home in fourth place – a tremendous achievement and contribution of points to the West Midland Team. Equally outstanding was the girls coxless four rowing in the Junior 16 category. The WJ16 coxless four comprised of Isobel Marsden, Eleanor Gray, Lara Davies and Madeline Winsper had the most exciting race in their final overhauling all their opposition to gain seventh place overall in their event.

The most outstanding performance of the day went to Emily Browne in her single scull in the girls Junior 15 event: having finished fourth fastest in the heats, she put in a blistering performance in the final only to be pipped close to line to earn the Bronze Medal finishing 1.6 seconds behind the Gold Medal winner.

Said coach Dr Graham Collier, “Once again, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club punched well above its weight keeping the Club’s reputation at the forefront of West Midland’s rowing and nationally.”

For media cover, please see Stratford Observer online at https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/…/stratford-rowers-represen… and back page and also Stratford Herald p20 and online at http://www.stratford-herald.com/69762-stratford-boat-clubs-…

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