At the weekend, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club Masters travelled to the National Watersports Centre Holme Pierrepont for the Nottingham Masters and Club Regatta which is a good benchmark for all crews as Stratford Boat Club’s masters have aspirations of competing at the British Masters event later in the season and all categories were hotly contested. There were some big learning points to take away from the event and it was a tough day on the course.
The Stratford’s 2x came a close third in their race: Susie Radley and Amanda Bowden were in second place to the midway point and should have continued to move away against Molesey but lost momentum around 600m and didn’t regain their position. Stratford’s 4x were rowing well and then dropped out around 250 metres as they clipped a buoy and couldn’t continue. Stratford’s VIII, although fighting valiantly, were off the pace of the race on a bigger stage. It was not easy at the bigger event and for many their first time against some very established crews.
Summing up, Amanda Bowden, Stratford’s Masters Vice Captain mused, “We gave it our all! Very proud of everybody’s efforts: if you don’t attempt the bigger races then you don’t know what to aim for. I am especially proud of the women’s squad for stepping up to compete but also recognising that they are not quite ready for the big events yet, the pressure is very different. Anyway – Ironbridge next!”
For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-crews-compete-at-nottingham-regatta