Tag Archives: Gina Fusco

Stratford Celebrates International Women’s Day on the Tideway!

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On Saturday 8th March, International Women’s Day, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s masters’ women joined two and a half thousand women racing in the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race in London, for the first time.

They enjoyed a beautiful sunny day on the Thames with fantastically flat water. Starting at the back of the first division, the Stratford Women’s Masters’ D crew, coxed by Jennifer Cary, was comprised of Rebecca England at stroke, followed by Heather Hayton, Ellie Davis, Lin Hanson, Caroline Collins, Corinna Burger, Debbie Thompson and Gina Fusco.

The Stratford crew started well with powerful, efficient strokes and quickly moved up on and overtook their first opposition from Kingston Rowing Club. Settling into a rhythmic thirty one strokes per minute, they then proceeded slowly to make headway on the boat ahead. The seven kilometre race was a battle to gain on the crew ahead and hold off a fast Broxbourne Rowing Club VIII behind.

As the Putney finish approached, Stratford’s cox was put to the test, steering expertly to hold the fastest stream while being sandwiched by boats on either side. The fast Broxbourne crew pushing past on one side, as Stratford, in turn, fought to go past Marlow Rowing Club. Stratford took the rate up to complete their overtake just before the finish line. Completing the course in a time of twenty three minutes and sixteen seconds, placed seventh out of thirteen crews in their division beating several clubs such as Marlow, Kingston, Bewdley, Thames Tradesmen and overseas crews.

Gina Fusco, bow, summed up her race, “It was a truly amazing experience: thank you to everybody for the support on and off the water in making this happen today. It was simply brilliant!”

Masters’ Vice Captain, Amanda Bowden added, “I am delighted to see the women’s development and training programme over the last three years has led to such a competitive performance today on the Tideway. This is the largest women’s rowing race in the world and the crew performed brilliantly! To be placed midway through the Masters D category is amazing! Thank you to our coach, Sam Hill who has been instrumental in preparing the women’s squad for their races this season. The crew had a fantastic day, gaining valuable experience and now look forward to rowing the same Championship course in two weeks’ time in the Vesta International Masters Head of the River Race”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty two and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-crew-compete-in-prestigious-womens-eights-head-of-the-river-race and also back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/03/14&pages=24

British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award: … and the winner is….

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club are proud to announce that the Club has been named winner of the British Rowing Environmental Sustainability Award 2024. British Rowing cited the Club’s concern about climate change and the impact it has on grassroot sport that led to a Sustainability Working group being established.

With no budget, the initiative has grown organically but has led to a number of successful initiatives. Specific reference was made to the Club using only water to wash boats and ecofriendly products in the kitchen to reduce the impact on aquatic life. The citation also mentioned the junior workshop that had give a voice to the junior section, a more sustainable approach to the Club’s regatta, the creation of a bee café and a second hand kit sales app to promote the reuse of clothing.

Dawson Curnock, Stratford Boat Club’s Chairman said, “The Club is keen to take steps to become a more sustainable organisation and to try to limit the impact we have on our river and surroundings. Each small step adds up to something bigger. Thank you and well done to the working Group consisting of Claudine Pearson, Gina Fusco, Lizzie Sartain, Eric Appleton, Jake Blatcher, Chris Belcher and Jenn Birrell for suggesting and running the second hand sales.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page thirty: see also British Rowing https://www.britishrowing.org/2024/12/winners-of-2024-british-rowing-awards-announced (scroll down to ‘Environmental Sustainability Award: Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’)

Stratford’s Masters Moment of Glory at Monmouth!

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Having driven through the torrential rain and floods, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s two women’s Masters’ VIII crews were greeted with glorious sunshine at Monmouth Rowing Club for their annual Winter Head of the River Race on the beautiful River Wye.

The WMDVIII entered in the first division and expertly coxed in fast and murky waters by Jen Carey, was stroked by Fiona Schulz, followed by Lin Hansen, Jane Cryer, Katie Burman, Caroline Collins, Lucy Scarlett, Corinna Burger and Claudine Pearson in bow.

The crew set off at a steady rate of twenty eight strokes per minute and soon found their rhythm and in the remaining part of the race, taking the rate up to thirty strokes per minute and settling into a solid pace. They finished the 2,250m course in a time of seven minutes and fifty nine seconds. The race was summed up by Lin, “A great day was had by this crew of lovely women, we celebrated our very respectable race time with mulled wine and cake!”

The WMEVIII, Amanda Bowden, Suzie Radley, Rebecca England, Heather Hayton, Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco, Sue Brown and Kjersti Rogneflaten Wolley, coxed by Alistair Washbourn had a considered start in the head wind, gaining in momentum as they cornered the bend. Happy with the power and length of stroke, the middle four put in a push, causing the stroke rate to rise steadily. The crew were delighted to finish strong over the line to take the win in a time of  seven minutes and seventeen seconds, having enjoyed the fast ride provided by an incredibly strong stream.

By the afternoon the wind had picked up considerably, providing some challenging conditions for all crews entered in the second division. This was the first time the Masters’ Men’s Novice VIII had raced a head race and it was a baptism by fire given the river conditions. They coped remarkably well in the fast stream, grateful for the experience of the stern pair, Gary Kinley and David Timmins and the amazing cox, Jen Cary, who kept a calm head throughout.  To say there were a few race nerves would have been an understatement! The middle four powerhouse were Mark Kelly, Tom Stokes, Dawson Curnock and Andrew Lear, followed by David Triggs and Gavin Bliss in bow. The crew held a consistent pace for the whole of the race, giving it their all and are looking forward to the next one, to build on their encouraging performance in the Wye Valley. Mark Kelly added, “It was good to be in a boat, in a competition! It was a great race!”

The WM4+ crew of Rebecca England, Lucy Scarlett, Corinna Burger and Claudine Pearson having benefitted from the morning division in an VIII, were ready to race again, ably coxed again by Alistair Washbourn travelling especially for the race. In the strong head wind, Stratford started well and created an excellent rhythm that they were able to build on round the bend and maintain throughout. Responding to a fantastic call from the cox, the crew raised the rate for a final push at the end to take the win, negating the time handicap from a strong Bewdley crew.

The MWD4x of Heather Hayton, Suzie Radley, Amanda Bowden and Sue Brown had a great row, despite the conditions, to take the win in a time of seven minutes and nineteen seconds. Amanda Bowden, Masters Vice Captain, commented, “I am delighted that Monmouth Head was still able to go ahead, following the flood waters that had engulfed the whole valley earlier on in the week due to ‘Storm Bert’ and the remaining fast stream. The enjoyment and value gained by developing oarsmen and women is enormous. This is evident in the testimony given by Gavin Bliss who said, “As a novice rower, who only started rowing in April, what an amazing experience on a very fast flowing stretch of river.” In another comment from the Club Chairman, Dawson Curnock, himself recently learnt to row having first followed his daughter’s rowing career when she was a junior at the Club said, “We had a great race, the problem was it was over so quickly! I now understand what all the fuss is about regarding this rowing – I had a great time!” The Masters would like thank the coxes, Jen Cary and Alistair Washbourne and Dawson Curnock for towing.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-squads-celebrate-success-at-monmouth and Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/rowers-scoop-medals-at-annual-winter-event-9394821 and page thirty six.

Henley Triumphs for Stratford!

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On Saturday 2nd November, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club Junior Squad travelled south to the spiritual home of rowing, Henley on Thames, to compete in the annual Long Distance Sculls event.  Contested over 3km on Henley Reach the event attracts top clubs and schools from around the country.  With higher than normal stream levels the conditions favoured those who steered a canny course close to the bank. The Stratford J16 squad competed twice in both J16 and J18 events with the first crews to boat in WJ16 double sculls. The double scull of Martha Baines and Poppy Warren delivered a solid row to record fifth place; Tessa Parkin and Josephine Cooper achieved eighth and Sophie Franklin and Becca Smith came home tenth. The WJ16 single scull athletes of Poppy Warren, Tessa Parkin and Becca Smith achieved seventh, ninth and tenth respectively. Rowing up to the J18 category, the J16 athletes delivered strong second rows on the Henley course with single scullers Maeve Dunn, Martha Cooke, Isla Dunn and Millie Smith achieving creditable placings of fourteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth and twenty first respectively. In the J18 double sculls event, Martha Baines and Maeve Dunn ranked eleventh, Millie Smith and Martha Cooke ranked sixteenth and the crew of Josephine Cooper and Isla Dunn coming home twentieth after being obstructed by a slower crew for the final 500m of the course.

With the usual first races of the season being cancelled, the J17/18 squad turned up at Henley excited at the prospect of some racing. With fine conditions but still some strong stream to contend with, the first Stratford crew of the day consisted of Aimee Appleton, Lucy Sartain, Lily Warren and Poppy Baines racing in the WJ18 quads. Executing a blistering start, the quad stormed down the course to claim sixth place in a competitive field. Next up were the J17/18 double of Jamie Wilcock and Seth Vondrak racing for the first time together. They sculled well and fought hard down the course to overtake a crew in the final stretch to secure eleventh place. The afternoon division saw V Vondrak and Scarlett Richardson compete in the WJ18 2x event. Settling in quickly to their race pace, rowing a good length and rhythm they overtook one crew in the first 1500m and continued pushing all the way to the finish to earn a very respectable third place. Finally, racing a year up in the J18 1x Xavier Sissins-Roffey got off to a quick start and fought hard all the way to earn himself fortieth of fifty five in a competitive field. J17/18 coach Eric Appleton said, “This was the first chance to race for many of the squad in over the last three months so it was good to get out and put all the hard training into practice on such a famous stretch of river. We’re very happy with the performances and looking forward to the next race.”

Stratford Masters WMD4x squad of Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco, Christine Goodwin and Ruth Poulten were inspired by the opportunity to race the iconic Henley Royal Regatta Course and it didn’t disappoint! Starting 3K downstream, conditions were good with five other crews competing in their category. The crew got off to a great start settling in to their planned rate twenty eight strokes per minute but a strong Marlow quad forced them into the middle of the river at the famous Temple Island and into a challenging upstream current. Undeterred and motivated by the encouragement at recent indoor ergo sessions, the Stratford crew held their line for the rest of the course racing side by side with the Marlow club to the finish and finished in a respectable fifth place.

Nick Sartain represented the Stratford’s Masters men. It proved to be a demanding race, especially given the lack of recent long distance training, against a competitive field. Pleased with his performance, Nick is looking forward to Stourport Head next weekend.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty three https://digital.imnews.app/app/STR931/editionguid/ca79aa62-774f-4c6b-814b-9ee8a4bc1fa5 and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/junior-rowers-tackle-long-distance-event-9390768 and Stratford Observer back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/11/08&pages=32 and also online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-upon-avon-juniors-oar-some-displays-at-henley-upon-thames

For more great pictures of Henley LDS, see Stuart Baines’ excellent selection https://1drv.ms/f/s!AiW2DAyn9tg9kJVQ1KjfA4EylOeRag?e=yEzQjY

Masters Progress at Gloucester!

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On a beautifully sunny day on Gloucester canal, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club Women’s Masters VIII had a great race, enjoying fantastic flat water. The crew of Rebecca England (stroke), Rebecca Paul, Jane Cryer, Lin Hansen, Corinna Burger, Katie Burman, Geraldine Chorley and Lucy Scarlett (bow) was expertly coxed by Maria from Bewdley Rowing Club. Over the 5km course, the newly formed crew worked hard, keeping their strokes long and loose despite being hotly pursued. They used this as excellent motivation to increase their pace and finish strongly in their first head race of the season. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Masters’ Vice Captain Amanda Bowden commented, “This was a good test for the crew and I am pleased to see increased levels of training are paying off. Well done to Lucy Scarlett competing in her first Head race and to Rebecca Paul, Corinna Burger and Geraldine Chorley returning to rowing following a break. To commit to a 5k race for the first one is very impressive!”

Following the disappointment of previous cancelled events. the WMD4x of Emily Sayers, Christine Goodwin, Gina Fusco and Ellie Davis were looking forward to their first race of the season. The crew rowed well and came second in their event and were pleased with their commitment over the 5k race. Gina Fusco added, “We now have a benchmark for the head season and next weekend’s race at Henley Long Distance Sculls.”

The fastest Stratford crew of the day was the WMD2x stoked by Suzie Radley. Sticking to a consistent rate and boat speed, the crew had an exciting and somewhat rocky race following the eights ahead of them. Amanda Bowden at bow responded positively to the steering of the crew ahead as she looked to overtake. However, failing to find a safe path by which to pass, it wasn’t until the final 1km that the opportunity opened up and the crew went past at the finish line. Racing for ‘time only’, the crew saw this as beneficial training for further races this season.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty two https://digital.imnews.app/app/STR931/editionguid/70fdf4e8-8f3a-4c8a-ae15-2872da07e50a and Stratford Observer back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/11/01&pages=32 and online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-womens-masters-impress-at-gloucester-autumn-head

Boat Club’s Successes in the City of Dreaming Spires

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Masters’ Women’s coxed four of Rebecca England, Adrianna Abreu, Lucy Scarlett and Fiona Schulz had a very solid row in their first heat at Oxford City Royal Regatta. Ably coxed by Debs Thompson and while racing at senior level against a much younger crew from the City of Bristol Rowing Club, they maintained composure off the start despite being slightly down on their opposition. As the race progressed and both crews settled into their pace, the Stratford crew used their power well to level and then start to pull away from Bristol. Moving into the final stages of the race, Stratford were up by just over a length and did well to hold off their very fast finishing opponents to take the win. In the semifinal, Stratford faced Wolfson College Oxford’s first four, a crew who had won their own heat by over five lengths. Again, Stratford were able to start strong and hold level with their opponents over the first part of the race: however, despite pushing them all the way, the young college students proved too strong for Stratford, beating them by two lengths. Commenting, Fiona Schulz stated, “We had a good row pushing the eventual winners to their closest finish of the day.”

The Masters D composite quad of Gina Fusco , Naomi Holland  (UTRC) , Ellie Davis and Christine Goodwin had a smooth and strong start to their first race at Oxford City Regatta against a very good crew from Henley Rowing Club. Gina Fusco at bow steered a clean course and Ellie Davies set a great race rhythm allowing the crew to settle in quickly to their race plan and pull away from their opponents. The crew powered through the rest of the course successfully saw off the last minute push from Henley resulting in a clear semifinal win of a length and a half.

In the final, the crew met Falcon Rowing Club, a Masters E crew with a seven second head start off the stakeboat due to the age handicapping system. Despite another fast and smooth start, great pace and two strong pushes, the quad were unable to claw back their opponent’s lead and crossed the line in second place. Whilst disappointed to not bring home another medal, the crew were pleased with the improvements in their race performance and could clearly see the results of some very focussed and hard training sessions in the lead up to the race. The masters women would like to thank Dawson for towing and navigating the very demanding trailer park!

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive squad raced at Oxford Sprint Regatta on Sunday. It being their last outing of their successful regatta season, of the five events entered, Stratford won three and the other two were narrow defeats in the final. The result of the day was Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive squad impressive win in a doubles event. James Bastin is registered blind and has other impairments. Racing with one of his occupational therapists, he consistently moved away from his opponents down the 500m course, winning by a comfortable five or six lengths, He was cheered on by his clubmates, friends and family. Commenting Head Adaptive Coach Mark Dewdney said, “It’s always a great day when James wins. He overcomes his disabilities with a smile on his face.”

Mother/son combination of Paola and Ian Ward dominated their mixed doubles event beating Marlow by four lengths. Gillian Middleton and racing partner Neville Hand’s final was again against a Marlow crew: this was close until half-way when good technique started to tell with the Stratford crew crossing the finish line around three lengths ahead. Isaac Clarkson, 14yrs, lost his singles final to an 18 year old and far larger rower by two lengths. He teamed up with Neville Hand (78yrs!) for the best doubles final of the day. The crews were never more than a few feet apart. However, City of Oxford came out victorious by about one foot, City of Oxford’s only adaptive win of the day. Commenting further, Mark Dewdney said, “It’s been an odd season: in the spring events were lost due to flooding and next week’s Ross regatta has been cancelled due to too little water! We would have liked more opportunities to race but when we got the chance, we had about an 80% win rate: we must be happy with that!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/coxed-four-beaten-but-medal-joy-for-bastin-9379966 and page forty three and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-and-adaptive-scullers-impress-in-oxford

Solid Progress for Stratford at Stourport

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The Women’s Masters C VIII coxed by Jen Carey with Amanda Bowden, Suzie Radley, Rebecca England, Jeannette Caldicot, Katie Burman, Fiona Schultz, Lucy Scarlett and Gina Fusco had a fantastic row at Stourport Regatta at the weekend beating Avon County easily. The crew took advantage of the staggered start, pulling away around the outside of the bend and Avon County failed to respond. As this was her first regatta, Katie Burman summed the event up well saying, “I loved learning and laughing with you all!”

Following this race, four of the women split into a smaller boat class and raced twice more in a coxed four. Despite being a masters’ crew, they were racing at senior level age 19-27. They beat Furnival B crew easily in the semi final and narrowly lost to Furnival A crew by a foot in the final. Jeannette Caldicot reflected, “It was a really solid row. We were neck and neck for the first half of the race: then Furnival pulled away and we came back on them. We believed we were close to coming through at the finish.” Jen Carey, cox, said, “Everybody gave their best, I couldn’t have asked any more of them. It was an excellent race!”

The first masters’ race of the day, in drizzly conditions, was the Low CRI men’s VIII, stroked by David Phillips followed by Thomas Garner, David Vazquez, Tim Hayter, Gary Kinley, Dave Edwards, Andrew Lear, Richard Forrest and coxed by Jen Carey: the crew had a strong start at rate thirty seven strokes per minute, led by stern pair of  David Phillips and Thomas Garner. Both crews stayed level to the 500m bend. With a settled rate of thirty four strokes per minute, the crew began to take their inevitable disadvantage of the outside of the bend: Bewdley used their inside line to creep forward and out of the bend the bows were level. Into the last 250m the Bewdley push to the line proved too much for Stratford and Bewdley took the lead by a canvas across the line. Commenting, Amanda Bowden, Stratford’s Masters’ Vice Captain said, “A well rowed 1000m by Stratford, this crew is making good progress, maybe next time!”

Our thanks go to Dave Edwards for towing, to Elisabeth Edwards for her support and all the other members who have coxed, coached and subbed in for training sessions.

On Sunday, Stratford raced again in the 500m sprint races. The mixed double of Fiona Schultz and David Phillips raced hard, demonstrating boat winning speeds. Despite competing in a borrowed boat, they lead the semi final all the way, unfortunately being overtaken in the last stages by Derwent Rowing Club.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-masters-make-progress-at-stourport-regatta and Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/masters-secure-regatta-victory-9378935

Masters and Adaptive Magic at Monmouth!

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Two of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s adaptive squad attended Monmouth regatta this weekend: each rowed both days in their singles and then combined to row against able-bodied crews just on the Sunday. Each sculler was against stiff Llandaff competition in the singles: Curtis Dickens’ opponent is in a different para category who uses a sliding seat whereas Curtis is on a fixed seat, a decided disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Andy Morris was giving away around thirty five years to his opponents both days. Both Andy and Curtis performed creditably in the double. Commenting, Mark Dewdney Stratford Boat Club’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “So, very unusually, no medals for the squad this time! This was the first time Monmouth had staged adaptive races and the Stratford crew were there to mentor them through providing fair and safe racing for those with an impairment.”

Over the same weekend, following the close racing previously at Nottingham, Stratford’s Masters 4x- of Emily Sayers, Ellie Davis, Gina Fusco and Christine Goodwin took Monmouth by storm securing their first regatta win. Having the come through the semifinal, the crew were aiming to improve on their performance which they executed well. The final was a great competition with Minerva Bath pulling ahead but Stratford battled hard, overtook the Bath crew and held their lead ultimately gaining a win by half a length. The crew were delighted with their win and thrilled to have beaten a C crew in the semifinal and then a very good D crew in the final. Crew member Gina Fusco said, “It was lots of fun and we are delighted to be learning and improving all the time. We know what to work on to keep getting faster!”

Stratford Masters Heather Hayton won in WMD1x, beating Bristol Ariel, verdict one and three quarter lengths. Amanda Bowden and Suzie Radley raced the WMD2x over the two days, on Saturday winning 1500m and on Sunday, winning the 750m sprints.

The Masters squad also entered two mixed crew events displaying strong racing whilst single sculler Richard Shepherd is also making big improvements. Said Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain, ”These crews are ones to watch for the future!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/crew-assists-with-adaptive-racing-at-regatta-9368198 and page forty four and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-show-class-at-monmouth and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/05/31&pages=24

Stratford’s Masters and K.E.S. Weekend of Triumph!

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Congratulations to Heather Hayton winning the WMD1x trophy in style! Heather is no novice to the event: commenting on her win Heather said, “The River Severn is always challenging and Saturday was no different, fast stream and a cross wind. Worcester Spring Regatta was my first race in the 1x this year, it was a positive experience and a good benchmark to work from. Lovely to hear our women’s eight cheer for me on my way down the course!”

The Women’s Masters VIII was coxed by Jen Carey, stroked by new Club member, Californian Adrienne Abreu with Rebecca England making stern pair. Following behind them; Helen Helliwell, Lin Hansen, Charlotte Jones, Fiona Schulz, Gina Fusco, Claudine Pearson, taking bow seat. The crew were grateful for their experienced cox who expertly navigated the long queue for boating, as well as the race with a fast stream. The eight made a powerful and efficient start which settled into a confident rhythm to take the first race against a Worcester.

But river regattas can be unpredictable and Stratford’s opponents in the final were a Bewdley crew whose age difference gave them a six second advantage. The eight were hindered under the umpire’s command at the start costing them dearly; although they gained on their opposition, the advantage was too large to make up.

Amanda Bowden, Masters’ Vice Captain, summed up the event, “I am delighted to see Stratford Masters Women beating the opposition so convincingly in the first round. Winning the event would have been the ideal, however I felt they beat the better crew in the first race. This was another valuable learning experience for all the crews today.”

The earlier division saw David Timmins and Lucy Scarlett race against Birmingham in the first round of the Senior Mixed Doubles. It is early days for this newly formed crew, they went out in the round but had a very good row and enjoyed the race nonetheless. The Masters would like to thank Club Chairman, Dawson Curnock, for towing so early in the morning and Eric Pearson for towing back again.

Also at the weekend, Stratford Boat Club’s sister Club King Edward V1 School Boat Club headed down to Dorney Lake for the Ball Cup Regatta. First down the course for K.E.S. was A. Appleton in WJ17 1x. She had a storming scull to finish second in her heat and comfortably progress to the final. In her final she got off to a better start and finished with a very credible silver medal. Later in the morning the J18 4x of W. Dalrymple-Baker, H.Hoare, A. Mathers and M.Cullimore raced down the course progressing comfortably to the final, in the final they put everything into it but couldn’t quite out perform some strong opposition finishing in fourth place. T. Shields and H. Perry went in the WJ18 2x, this was to be Shields’ first ever race: they put in a very respectable row finishing tenth overall from fifteenth crews.

In the Girls Ball Cup Fours, the K.E.S. crew of M.Rowan, E. Cooper, J. Long, A. Appleton and cox E. Mitchell put in a very impressive performance to pull away and take the win.

Next up were the Boys Ball Cup Fours, K.E.S. had two crews entered: both crews got off to a good start settling in well and put in great performances. The A crew of W. Dalrymple-Baker, H. Hoare, A Mathers, D. Shilvock and cox, E. Mitchell won to take the Ball Cup trophy with the B crew of M.Cullimore, H. Frost, F. Groves, T. Woodcock and cox A. Appleton took the silver.

Finally it was the turn of the WJ18 4x, the crew of M. Rowan, T. Shields, E. Cooper and J. Long had a great race narrowly missing out in the win by less than half a length to take the silver medal. Commenting Hannah Crone, Head of K.E.S. Rowing said, “It was a great day for the squad coming home with five medals and winning both the girls and boys Ball Cup Fours for the second year running!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page forty four and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/trophy-triumph-at-spring-regatta-9367278 and also Stratford Observer online https://t.co/tLQtd3dK1Y

Stratford’s Masters and Junior Squads Thrive in Sunny Bedford!

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Having had their wings clipped by so many weeks of bad weather, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s junior and masters’ squads travelled to Bedford Spring Head where the J13 squad were itching to take make their competitive debut in Club colours. The weather and setting combined to deliver a great introduction to racing, and some really confident sculling was on display from the youngest athletes on a complicated course surrounded by quality crews of all ages. The first quad of Connor Birrell, Charlotte Mansfield, Herbie Shickle and Raya Hothi, calmly piloted by Martina Bruce-Bonilla, made effortless progress down the course and recorded a commendable time despite an issue in the closing stages that would have ruffled far more experienced crews. They were followed by a double scull containing Reuben Stanford and Nathan Lebordais who combined power with enthusiasm to deliver a highly creditable result.

The afternoon’s racing saw a second quad of Meredith Paul, Bethany Hammond, Tristan Hammick and Scarlet Wheeler propelled down the course under the guidance of Abi Dunn as coxswain. A tight racing line around the final bend scattered the swans and helped them record a respectable time achieved with minimal fuss. A final double scull of Dunn and Bruce-Bonilla then returned upriver to deliver a composed and well-measured race that saw them steadily close on the boat ahead of them. Commenting Jon Francis, J13 Coach, “All in all, an excellent day of racing for the whole J13 squad at their first event.”

Rowing their last head race this season, Stratford’s J14s started the Bedford Spring Head with the OJ14x+ of Rory Rowan, Euan Richter, Will Shaw, Rory Jones and Ed Appleton (c), rowing well and finishing fouth. The Women’s J14 coxed quad of Orla Linforth, Erin Appleton, Maria Ntoukaki, Naomi Sime and Rory Jones (c) did very well and came second, beating crews from Wallingford and Falcon Rowing Clubs. Finally, the Open J14 double sculls of Seb Happel and Euan Richter and James Greenwood and Ed Appleton came third and fourth respectively. Commenting, Hugo Happel, Stratford’s J14 Coach said, “The athletes gained valuable experience here, which they will take into their next events.”

A glorious spring day saw a total of twenty five crews from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club on their trip to Bedford for the Spring Head. Held over 2000m on the Great Ouse the course runs through the town centre making a theatre of rowing for the day.  Stratford’s J15 squad competed in both coxed quadruple sculls and double sculls. In the quadruple sculls, it was a Wallingford sandwich with the crew of Bryony Francis, Martha Baines, Maeve Dunn, Becca Smith and Isla Dunn (coxswain) taking the win ahead of Sophie Franklin, Millie Smith, Martha Cooke, Tessa Parkin and Josephine Cooper (coxswain) in third and Wallingford Rowing Club in between. When it came to the J15 double sculls event, the Stratford girls made their presence felt again in dominant style with the athletes taking first (Bryony Francis/Maeve Dunn), second (Martha Baines/Becca Smith), third (Millie Smith/Sophie Franklin), fourth (Isla Dunn/Martha Cooke) and ninth (Josephine Cooper/Tessa Parkin) places.

The Junior 17/18 squad raced the 2k course twice. Jamie Wilcock put in a very consistent performance in his single scull recording exactly the same time in both runs placing him seventh out of fourteen in the J17 event. Scarlett Richardson and Aimee Appleton lead their event after the first division in their double scull only to be beaten narrowly by three crews from Wallingford racing at the end of the day. Nancy Davies and Ez Elfwood sculled well to finished eighth in the same event.

Amalia Richardson, Aimee Appleton and Lucy Sartain entered the Junior 17 single sculls event finishing a very close race in seventh, ninth and tenth respectively covered by just thirteen seconds.

The WJ18 coxed four of Amalia Richardson, Aimee Appleton and Lucy Sartain won the Women’s event by twelve seconds in the morning, then went two seconds quicker in their second run in the afternoon. Commenting, J17/18 Coach Sam Hill said, “Bedford has been a successful event for the J17/18 squad who have shown they all have potential to perform well in the regattas to come this summer.”

For Stratford’s masters men racing in Division 5, where a noticeable tailwind had picked up compared to the morning racing, the quadruple scull of Ed Lewry, Eric Appleton, Tom Doherty and Nick Sartain attacked the course from the gun to make the best of the favourable conditions. Initially striking thirty six strokes per minute, the pace was frantic until they settled into a steadier race-pace after a minute. The crew held a solid rhythm as they ticked off the many bridges which cross the course as it curved through the town. As the finish approached, they found a final sprint for the line to complete the race in 6 minutes 36 seconds and a commendable third out of the sixteen men’s quads present.

The ladies’ masters WMD4x quad of Ellie Davis at stroke, Gina Fusco at three, Christine Goodwin at two, and Emily Sayers in bow, had a strong row, finishing second place on raw time, in 8.09mins. Following handicapping time adjustments, the crew were placed sixth. This crew is one to watch, having made significant progress in training.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/…/rowing-stratfords…  and Stratford Herald page forty five and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/enjoyable-debut-for-club-s-juniors-9362077