Stratford upon Avon Boat Club arrived at Henley Town and Visitors’ Regatta with three untested Senior Men’s’ crews. However they had every confidence that they could get good results
The first race was the eights. The lack of preparation showed early and Stratford were left behind at the start by a strong Vesta crew. Coxed by Amie Jones, the Stratford crew picked up the rate as they came towards the finish line and managed to save the race and force a re-row. The result was better on the second race and Stratford set up an exciting final against local rivals Warwick. The extra race had cost Stratford dear and they were easily beaten by a well-practiced Warwick crew
Next up was the Senior Men’s quad. The crew comprised of Alastair Collier, Max Marcus, Tom Marshall and Edward Press. The race was close run and the Stratford crew fought hard to finish second: again, the crew was happy with the result as this was their first race together
The final race was the coxed fours. The crew was stroked by Mike Hourigan, followed by Ben Twiney, Patrick Hourigan and Oli Smith. After a scrappy start, the crew found themselves in contention but soon after a technical issue caused the crew to lose ground. Another second place finish was all they could manage. The squad now look forward to racing at City of Oxford Rowing Club Regatta and will be better prepared next time out
Meanwhile, back on the course, the Stratford upon Avon Boat Club Junior Squad picked up the baton with Mya Kenny and Nixie Brunt racing in the J15 single scull event. Nixie put on a superb show remaining level with her opposition from Maidenhead Rowing Club until the halfway point when a major push from the Maidenhead sculler edged her ahead to victory. Mya also sculled well making a strong start but energy reserves already depleted from a week long training camp on the Tideway ran short and her opposition took the win and the event trophy. Stratford’s WJ four was also in action
Stratford Boat Club is looking forward to another couple of busy weeks with the third of their Junior Summer Camps. Said Junior Co-ordinator Steve Wellstead, “We have now had sixty juniors through our massively popular summer camps and the potential that we have seen has been amazing: this bodes well for our new junior intake in September”
For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/stratford-test-their-mettle-at-henley-town-visitors-regatta and back page and Stratford Herald page 14