Tag Archives: Rebecca England

Stratford Clean Up at Evesham!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J17 squad were represented by the single scull of Sophie Frankin and the double scull of Isla Dunn and Becca Smith at the weekend’s Evesham Regatta. First down the track was Sophie who was pitted against an experienced Worcester sculler and was unable to hold onto an early lead. The Dunn/Smith combination dominated the semi-final against Pengwern however met their match in a quality AB Severn crew in the final.

The Stratford J15 squad created a presence in Saturday’s racing having success in the finals and keeping the pressure on their competitors in the 1000m knock out races.

First up, the OpJ15 x 2 of Nathan Lebordais and Reuben Stanford took an early win against Magdalen College in their semi final before giving AB Severn a run for their money in the final, placing a well-earned second overall. Lebordais and Stanford returned later in the day as part of the OpJ15x 4 joined by Raya Hothi (cox), Connor Birrell and Tristan Hammick. The crew defeated Magdalen and then Monmouth in the heats to earn a place in the final against AB Severn. While there was a strong start off the line, the AB Severn squad maintained a pace over the 1000 meters that was just out of reach for the Stratford crew who came into second overall.

Abi Dunn competing in the WJ15 x 1 singles brought home some silverware by starting with a convincing first win against her Evesham opponent in the semi-finals setting up a tense head to head final with fellow Stratford rower from J14. During a close race, Abi kept a consistent lead all the way through and secured victory by half a length.

The WJ15 x 4 composed of Martina Bruce (cox), Lily Parsons, Meredith Paul, Bethany Hammond and Scarlett Wheeler delivered a strong performance showing strength, resilience and determination as they beat Monmouth by two and a half  lengths in the semi-final and faced off against a second Monmouth crew in the final. From the start the team pushed for the lead, running neck and neck over the 1000 meters and, in a nail biting finish won by a canvas, taking home the win. This was especially savoured as three in the crew had rowed earlier in the day in their respective WJ15x2 pairs (Parsons/Paul and Bruce/Hothi) and they were keen for a win!

The J14 squad made the most of Evesham’s two day event by representing Stratford Boat Club on both days. Amongst some encouraging performances, and some hard won lessons on pacing and steering, the stand-out crew from Saturday’s longer course were the boys’ quad of Archie Eaton, Chris Durance, Arthur Burt, Ethan Siwakowski and Eli Ford as coxswain. They completely outclassed Magdalene College School in the first round then earned an equally composed win against Cheltenham College to secure a spot in the final where an Evesham/AB Severn Rowing Club composite edged them out in a close race.

Sunday’s sprint started early for Amelia Cruickshank who gamely volunteered to row for an Evesham quad depleted by injury. Returning later that day she joined Islay Milles in the WJ14 single sculls. The two girls mercilessly worked their way through the qualifying rounds to set up a thrilling Stratford-Stratford final that was too close to call until the closing stages when Milles lit the afterburners to edge to victory.

Also, Stratford’s Women’s Masters 2x of Ellie Davies and Gina Fusco, raced in a final against a Women’s Masters E double Stourport crew. Despite steering a rather longer  than necessary racing line, the duo were delighted to hold off their opponents and take the win by a canvas.

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J13 squad enjoyed an exciting and memorable day of racing at the Evesham Sprint Regatta, where they competed in singles, doubles and quad scull events. For all the athletes, this was their first experience of side‑by‑side racing, making the occasion both challenging and rewarding. Many of the rowers had only rowed in singles or doubles two or three times before, never mind racing them, yet every athlete rose to the occasion and performed admirably under pressure.

The three doubles crews of Hattie McGurk and Zilpha Pope, Ruben Hawkswell and Eftychios Ntoukakis, and Safian Khan and Luke Spurling were first on the water. All three crews showed confidence and determination, each holding their own throughout the race and finishing a very close second.

The singles races followed, with strong performances from Gregor Francis, Enoch Stanford, Georgia Wheeler, Margo Paul, Zilpha Pope, Natasha Wallace and Harriet Wheeler. Despite first‑time racing nerves, all rowed with composure and confidence. A special mention goes to Margo Paul, who delivered a commanding performance to win the WJ13 singles event, beating the opposition by an impressive two and a half lengths.

In the quad sculls, the boys’ crew of Enoch Stanford (cox), Gregor Francis (stroke), Safian Khan, Eftychios Ntoukakis and Ruben Hawkswell put up a strong and determined performance but were knocked out by the eventual winners, a very strong home crew from Evesham. The girls’ quad of Harriet Wheeler (cox), Margo Paul (stroke), Natasha Wallace, Hattie McGurk and Georgia Wheeler also raced with great spirit, losing to the Evesham crew.

Throughout the day, all crews showed superb teamwork and sportsmanship, running the course during each race to loudly cheer one another on. Commenting, Rebecca Paul, J13 Coach said, “It was a proud and promising first experience of side‑by‑side racing and an encouraging sign for the future of these young athletes.”

Next up in eights division the Stratford Women’s Masters D VIII were determined to maximise the six second head start they had against a composite younger Gloucester and Evesham crew. After a solid start and a race pace of thirty four strokes per minute, the crew widened the gap and held their opposition over the 1000m course with a convincing win of three and a half  lengths. The crew were Jen Cary, Cox, Ellie Davis Stroke, Gina Fusco, Jane Cryer, Abby Symons, Rebecca England, Lucy Scarlett, Caroline Collins and Charlotte Jones (Bow). Bow seat Charlotte Jones said, “We are delighted with our first win of the regatta season as an eight, following our winter training. We are looking forward to our next race at the Nottingham Masters next week.”

Almost immediately after deboating from the VIII, Rebecca England and Lucy Scarlett took to the river again to race in the senior women’s 2x. In their first regatta of the season together, they had a good start and were pleased with their row despite being bested by a very high quality and youthful opposition.

The Women’s Masters low CRI coxed quad of Sarah Walker, Urania Carreiro, Emily Burton  and Charlotte Juxon with cox Sarah Bedwell were determined to give the home crew a good race in the semi final.  Despite much distraction at the start with a single stuck in a tree, a capsize and a double very much told off for a quick race practice, the crew refocused, stuck to their plan and won comfortably. A few timing issues to improve and with Sarah B still ringing in their ears, it was time for the final. Much more relaxed and ready to fight again the crew raced hard and gained ground quickly. This gave the lift and belief needed and they pushed past their opposition at the half way point, then stayed flat out for the last 500m again winning comfortably.

Their coach Dawson Curnock said of the crew, “Two great performances including the win in their final are the culmination of commitment to training that they embarked upon over three months ago.”

In Stratford’s last race of the regatta, the mixed 2x of Rebecca England and Thomas Doherty faced a tough task with local rivals Warwick having a head start due to the masters’ handicap system. Despite this, the Stratford double managed a fast start, leaving the blocks at a rate of thirty eight strokes per minute and were able to row down their competition, winning by a length and a half.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page thirty seven and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-celebrate-success-at-evesham-regatta and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/05/08&pages=24#page/24

Stratford’s Masters & Juniors Excel at Bedford Spring Head

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A glorious spring day saw thirty crews from Stratford upon Avon Boat Club travel 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 J17/J18 squad were out in force to enjoy racing following many recent cancellations. Xavier Sissins-Roffey and Seth Vondrak raced in OpJ18 single sculls achieving second and third places respectively. They then teamed up to race the OpJ18 double scull where they crossed the line in second place, just one second behind the winners! In the women’s events the WJ18 single scull was won in emphatic style by Alexandra Francis with Poppy Baines in second place. Stratford’s J17 ladies scullers of Maeve Dunn, Martha Baines, Martha Cooke and Millie Smith delivered fifth, seventh, tenth and eleventh places in a packed and high quality event. Moving on from the single sculling, Stratford’s J17 and J18 ladies formed double sculls: Alexandra Francis and Martha Cooke powered down the course for a well deserved second place followed by an all Baines crew of Poppy and Martha coming home in sixth. In the WJ17 event, Millie Smith and Maeve Dunn finished fourth with Becca Smith and Isla Dunn on their tail in eighth place. Last but by no means least Stratford fielded a women’s J18 coxless quadruple scull of Isla Dunn, Becca Smith, Sophie Evans and Martha Cooke who motored over the line just out of the medals in fourth place.

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J14s fielded a full squad across the Bedford Spring Head’s divisions and delivered some exceptional rowing, something that bodes well for the approaching regatta season. Capitalising on some intensive training in quads both the girls (Islay Milles, Eva Cruise, Amelia Cruickshank and Mary Heenan coxed by Charlotte Franklin) and boys (Archie Eaton, Chris Durance, Arthur Burt and Ethan Siwakowski coxed by Eli Ford) blew all their opposition away to claim deserved golds in respective events. These deserved successes were followed by boys’ doubles of Eli Ford and Archie Mansfield then Chris Durance with Arthur Burt who recorded solid times and placed well amongst strong crews. The girls’ crews of Eva Cruise and Charlotte Franklin then Amelia Cruickshank and Islay Milles similarly impressed amongst some quality opposition.

Coach Jon Francis was delighted, “As a curtain closer on the winter head season we could have asked no more and the J14s come away with richly deserved silverware for their efforts.”

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club J13 squad had a great first race experience at the Bedford Fours & Small Boats Head. On a slightly overcast day, the squad showed just how much they have learned over the last few months, despite set-backs from the numerous weather-driven cancelled sessions. The J13s were racing up a category, which required lots of confidence for their first race outing. The girls’ quad was first to race with Hattie McGurk doing an excellent job coxing a lovely line right down the middle of the course: Georgia Wheeler at stroke kept up a lively rate backed up by Margo Paul, Harriet Wheeler and Zilpha Pope. The girls came an impressive second from bottom, with a time of ten minutes and thirty one seconds, a great first performance against much more experienced crews.

Second up was the boys double of Gregor Francis. They put in an excellent performance, showing some real promise, finishing second last with a time of nine minutes and twelve seconds in a field of much more experienced crews.

The boys’ quad was last up, under the guidance of Gregor Francis as cox, they put in a superb performance against a formidable set of opponents. Their time of nine minutes and forty seconds was a real credit to their focus and determination. Commenting, Rebecca Paul, J13 Coach said, “This was the J13’s debut racing event: considering that the squad has only been sculling for less than eight months, with many sessions off the water due to inclement weather and river conditions, they should be proud of their achievements. We certainly are!”

Competing in the Women’s Masters E 2x category, Ellie Davis and Gina Fusco were looking forward to racing in the morning division. Slightly blustery conditions but the duo settled into a solid rhythm and followed a good line on the course. They were delighted to catch up their two opposition in that division and then had to wait to see how their time of compared to the remaining three crews racing late afternoon. At the end of the day, the duo came first beating five other crews and commented, “We had to wait until the evening to know where we had come but we were over the moon when we discovered we had won. Many thanks to Sam Hill for his coaching.”

With the juniors and women’s masters setting the pace during the day with some excellent results and wins, it was left to the mixed masters double of Rebecca England and Tom Doherty to keep the standard high in the final division of the day.

Changeable weather conditions saw blustery winds and rain add to the challenge of navigating some narrow bridges and other crews. Stratford led off the start ahead of four of their opposition on the 1.9km course. Determined to set a high tempo from the start, Rebecca England at stroke set a metronomic pace of thirty two strokes a minute enabling Stratford to pull ahead of their opposition over the first half of the course.

Having navigated the worst of the bridges, calamity struck when the footplate of Rebecca’s feet broke. This led to some technical adjustments by Rebecca to maintain the pace and rhythm of the boat. Approaching the finish in blustery conditions, Stratford were able to maintain their pace to finish in a respectable time of eight minutes and five seconds. The time turned out to be comprehensively faster than the other competitors resulting in another win and a very successful day for Stratford Boat Club.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page thirty seven and also online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/stratford-boat-club-s-juniors-and-masters-shine-at-bedford-s-9461987 and Stratford Observer back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/04/24&pages=24

For more great pictures of Bedford Spring Head, see Stuart Baines’ selection https://onedrive.live.com/…

Stratford’s Masters Score at Northwich Spring Head

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Braving Storm Dave to head north to race at Northwich Head on Easter Sunday, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s masters were represented by Thomas Doherty and Rebecca England. First up in the Master’s Men’s G/H single sculls was Doherty who completed the 2.35km course amidst blustery conditions and occasional hail showers. The fairly evenly matched field saw a very competitive race and a good row from Doherty and he took second place second, a mere five seconds behind the victor from Runcorn.

Later in the afternoon, Doherty took to the water again, this time in the mixed Master’s D double sculls alongside Rebecca England. As weather conditions deteriorated further, the Stratford double powered through the choppy water knowing that in such a high quality field, starting positively at a rate of 32 strokes per minute was essential. They maintained a strong rhythm throughout and were pleased with their finishing time, placing third in a race where the entire field was separated by only four seconds. They look forward to building on their race experience over the coming months.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page thirty six and Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-compete-at-northwich-spring-head

Stratford’s Masters Take to the Tideway Again for the Vesta International Masters Head of the River

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Stratford Masters Women were on the Tideway again for the second time in two weeks competing in the Vesta Head along with two hundred and ninety six other crews. The Masters D VIII crew was ably stroked by Fiona Schultz with Corinna Burger at 7, Jane Cryer at 6, Abby Symons at 5, Helen Helliwell at 4, Claire Booth at 3, Caroline Collins at 2, Claudine Pearson at bow and Jen Cary coxing.

In windy conditions, the crew had a solid and stable row, following a fast line set by their cox: the crew would like to thank their coach, Sam Hill and their race day supporters – Alfie Nash and Lizzy Collins for all of their support.

After a very long and cold two hour wait at the start, Stratford’s Masters C mixed 4x of Rebecca England, Pete Spivey, Lucy Scarlett and Tom Doherty (bow) began their race on the iconic Boat Race course right at the back of the pack. They started steadily, ensuring their muscles were warm before building the rate and power over the first few hundred meters. Hitting their race pace of thirty strokes per minute, they settled into a good rhythm and responded well to the call to push through Chiswick. This enabled them to smoothly and efficiently overtake the crew in front. From Hammersmith, conditions became trickier with greater gusts hitting the side of the boat. Despite this, Stratford powered through to take third place in a very close and high quality field.

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-masters-women-back-on-the-tideway-again-in-vesta-international-head-race and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/04/03&pages=24: also see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/stratford-masters-women-impress-at-vesta-head-on-the-tideway-9460190 and page thirty nine

Stratford Conquer The Tideway and Gloucester Canal!

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On a beautiful spring day, as a culmination of winter training, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Women’s Masters E VIII competed at Women’s Eights Head of the River Race (WEHoRR) on the iconic Oxford/Cambridge boat race course on the Tideway along with over three hundred women’s VIII. The crew of cox Jen Carey, Ellie Davis stroke, Gina Fusco, Jane Cryer, Ruth Poulten, Clare Booth, Abby Symons, Caroline Collins and Charlotte Jones at bow.

Ellie Davis held the stroke rate at a solid thirty strokes per minute over the course which the crew followed creating a smooth and confident rhythm . Masterfully coxed by Jen whose experience of Tideway racing led to a fantastic racing lining maximising the stream.

The crew were all very pleased with the row and the improvement in time over the previous year: they look forward to the racing together soon. Coach Sam Hill watching from Hammersmith Bridge commented, “Jen steered the perfect line round the long Hammersmith bend straight under the famous lamp post. The crew displayed powerful efficient rowing, a credit to the hard work they have been putting in for the last six months. The training continues in preparation for Vets Head in two weeks’ time.”

While the women conquered the tideway, Stratford’s masters were also represented closer to home on Sunday at Gloucester Head where they faced wild weather and very choppy conditions. Due to illness and a last minute substitution, Rebecca England and Thomas Doherty ended up racing in both divisions, racking up a tidy total of twenty eight kilometres. They rowed well and overtook a number of crews, being placed second in both their races. They were especially pleased with their morning race where, despite being a mixed 2x, they only missed winning the master’s men’s event by eight seconds.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty five and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/winter-training-pays-off-as-stratford-rowers-impress-on-the-9458253

Masters Triumph at Avon Spring Head

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First off for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club rowers at Avon Spring Head was the Masters’ C mixed quad of Rebecca England, Pete Spivey, Lucy Scarlett and Thomas Doherty. Going toe-to-toe with strong opposition from Gloucester in very blustery conditions, the Stratford crew started strongly with Doherty steering an excellent line round tricky bends to remain in the fast flowing stream. Taking the rate up in the final 1km straight, the Stratford crew did well to hold off their opposition, finishing second in a very respectable time.

The Senior women’s double of Rebecca England and Lucy Scarlett were thrilled to have the opportunity to race at Avon County head after a frustrating start to the year with floods in Stratford preventing them from training on the river. Racing in Band One down a windy course, Scarlett and England held a good, consistent rate over the first half of the 3.5km course. After being held up under the bridge by a crash between the crews in front, Stratford restarted well, overtook their opposition and upped their rate coming into the final straight. They were pleased with their third place finish and hope to be able to increase their water time over the spring.

Stratford’s Thomas Doherty and Pete Spivey were last to go in the afternoon division. With slightly calmer conditions, racing in his first head race in a single scull, Spivey had a relaxed start before winding up both the rate and power as the course progressed. “I was very pleased with my racing line and loved every minute, feeling like my winter training paid off” said Spivey, who managed to catch the sculler in front in the final stretch and finish a very strong second in his category. In the Master’s G/H single sculls, Doherty started strongly. Gaining on the sculler ahead, he increased the tempo over the middle part of the course. Raising the rate to 30 strokes per minute in the final straight, Doherty stepped up the pace to overtake his opposition in front and ultimately take the win. “It was a very successful day on the river with this being my first ever win in a single,” commented Doherty.

Meanwhile, sadly Stratford Juniors’ hopes of racing at the weekend were dashed with the cancellation of British Rowing’s West Midlands Championships for which the whole junior squad had been training for several weeks and, adding further to their frustrations, water sessions at home at Stratford were also cancelled due to the River Avon being in flood again with high river levels and fast flow.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty three and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/strong-results-for-stratford-boat-club-rowers-at-blustery-av-9456215 and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-masters-triumph-at-avon-spring-head and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/03/06&pages=24.

Stratford’s Juniors Conquer The Tideway and Storm Claudia!

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The inaugural Junior Fours Head was held on Friday under dark, damp autumn skies on the Tideway, the river lying relatively flat as junior crews assembled between Chiswick and Putney. The subdued murmur of final instructions underscored the significance of the occasion: months of training, early starts and technical refinement were about to be tested over a demanding championship course against many of the strongest school and club crews from across the country.

This year, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J18 squad fielded two crews. The mixed coxless quadruple scull of Martha Baines, Xavier Sissins-Roffey, Seth Vondrak and Maeve Dunn was first down the course, finishing an impressive seventh place. They were followed shortly after by the women’s J18 coxless quadruple scull of Martha Cooke, Alexandra Francis, Tessa Parkin and Poppy Baines who crossed the line in thirty fifth place, leaving a number of quality crews behind them.

Racing in the OJ16 4+ event, Stratford’s five J16 Performance squad boys of Seb Happel (stroke), Will Shaw, Euan Richter, Rory Rowan (bow) and Ed Appleton took the inaugural Junior Fours Head in their stride and rowed well from Mortlake to Putney, 6.8km, with Ed steering a great line. The one minute forty second average split time over the distance wasn’t enough for silverware but nonetheless all five got to experience this very special event on a relatively calm Tideway. J16 Coach Hugo Happel said, ” A great experience for the boys on this most special of waterways in relatively mild, if wet, conditions. Key take-out was to rate slightly higher next time. All in all, an amazing learning experience and fantastic to connect the dots between training on our river Avon and the Tideway requirements!”

Commenting further, Paul Stanton, Club President said, “Not only was this a great performance by the athletes but credit should also go to the coaches, helpers and supporters for getting the athletes to this dominant position and for towing the boats from Stratford to The Tideway and back again during Storm Claudia!”

Following the juniors down to London to compete at Veterans Fours head on Sunday 16 November, the mixed master’s C quad of Rebecca England at stroke, Thomas Doherty, Lucy Scarlett and Pete Spivey at bow, produced a solid performance, tackling the challenging, choppy conditions on the tideway well. Despite a punishing headwind, the Stratford crew were able to execute a couple of early overtakes, maintaining pressure well with long, patient strokes and a consistent rate throughout. An improvement in conditions past Hammersmith allowed the crew to settle into calmer water; they relaxed into a good rhythm which they held to the end. “It was a tough but rewarding row against some very strong opposition,” commented Doherty. The crew are now looking to build on this third place performance as they continue their training throughout the winter.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/stratford-juniors-impress-at-inaugural-junior-fours-head-9442084 and page thirty seven and also Stratford Observer online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-clubs-young-scullers-impress-at-inaugural-junior-fours-head and back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/11/28&pages=24

Stratford Clean Up The Medals at Evesham Head

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Making a welcome return to the Stratford Boat Club’s racing calendar, after several years of cancellations, was Evesham Autumn Head. The race which was run over 2000m on the River Avon in Evesham always proves popular and this year was no exception.  Stratford upon Avon Boat Club packed the entries with over thirty crews racing over three divisions.

The J14s were out in force fielding crews across all three divisions. An excellent day of racing kicked off with Chris Durance, Arthur Burt and Archie Eaton delivering composed performances in their single sculls, unfortunately losing out to strong Evesham crews enjoying home advantage over familiar waters. Hot on their heels in the girls’ event came Islay Milles and Eva Cruise who processed to blow the opposition away finishing first and second in one of the larger events of the day. To prove it was no fluke, the girls swiftly returned to the start in their double scull for a Division Two race and duly confirmed their status as Queens of the Avon with a blistering performance against yet more strong opposition. Double medals, and all before lunch.

The afternoon saw the now familiar local derby between the Stratford J14 boys’ quad (Eaton and Burt joined by Eli Ford, Archie Mansfield and Ethan Siwakowski) pitted against Evesham. As best of frenemies, the two boats battled valiantly down the 2km course with the Evesham crew recording a winning time less than one second better than Stratford’s, an incredibly close result over a long distance.

Coach Jon Francis was pleased with the day and said, “They’ve built on solid performances at Wallingford to land the first silverware of the new season, proving this squad have the makings of something special”. Club Chairman, Dawson Curnock, was similarly impressed not least with the young athletes’ ability to navigate the gentle curve of the river whilst avoiding the large yet static moored barges.

Stratford’s J15 squad fielded a large entry at Evesham, with ten boats in total across all three divisions and with many of the athletes rowing the 2km course twice. First up in the lovely flat conditions were the doubles, with all three girls’ crews finishing a few seconds apart in fifth (Martina Bruce/Bethany Hammond), sixth (Abi Dunn/Meredith Paul) and seventh (Lillian Parsons/Scarlett Wheeler). In the boys doubles, Reuben Stanford and Tristan Hammick had a good row to finish second.

Later in the morning, the J15s rowed in the quads, with the girls racing well against a field of Headington School boats (which took the top four places) finishing sixth in the division (Meredith Paul, Bethany Hammon, Raya Hothi, Martina Bruce, Charlotte Mansfield (cox)). The boys once again demonstrated the power that had given them good finishes in national events last year to win their division by nearly a minute (Nathan Leobordis, Reuben Stanford, Herbie Shickle, Conner Birrell, Tristan Hammick (cox)).

In the final division of the day, Stratford’s J15’s put out four singles, with Abi Dunn placing fourth and Raya Hothi eleventh in a competitive girls’ race. In the boys’ races, Conner Birrell had an excellent race, setting off at the head of his division and increasing the gap to the chasing boats to secure his second medal of the day, and Nathan Leobordis followed not far behind in third.

Stratford’s combined J17/J18 squad were in action throughout the day with the first crew down the course being the women’s J18 coxless quadruple scull of Bryony Francis, Lily Warren, Josephine Cooper and Poppy Warren.  The crew opened the scoring for the club with an emphatic win over Evesham on their home water.  Next up was the open J18 double scull of Ollie Rowlands and Theo Richter who delivered a strong performance to record third place overall. Matching the boys’ efforts, the women’s J18 double scull of Alice Jones and Sophie Franklin also recorded third place. Hot on the heels of the doubles was the women’s J18 single scull of Becca Smith who battled down the course for fourth place overall. In the final division of the day, all the J17/J18 athletes had the opportunity to race again. With the opposition firmly in their gaze, the Mixed J18 coxless quadruple scull of Lily Warren, Ollie Rowlands, Theo Richter and Becca Smith sneaked victory over AB Severn by a mere two seconds. Then came the turn of the women’s J18 coxed four of Sophie Franklin, Josephine Cooper, Poppy Warren, Bryony Francis and Alice Jones (coxswain) who again delivered the goods to win by two seconds over Evesham Rowing Club.

First up for Stratford Masters Women Division One were Corinna Burger and Helen Helliwell in a Women’s Masters C double. Their first race after training through the summer, Corinna said, “After a period of anticipation, we were off with good consistent rowing right up until the end, minding a few trees along the way and coming second overall.”

Next up were Ellie Davis (stroke) and Gina Fusco in women’s masters E double. Competing in their first head together, they executed their plan to row a strong, steady and relaxed race which led to a win. The crew were delighted.

In Division Two, Rebecca England (stroke) and Lucy Scarlett racing in their first head together in the senior women’s double. They had a good start and settled into a solid rhythm, Scarlett steering an excellent course round the long bowside bend. A final push gave them the win with which they were thrilled.

In the last Division Three of the day Women’s Masters had three crews entered. Corinna Burger, Clare Booth, Claudine Pearson and Ruth Poulten (bow) in the Women’s Masters D quad. Their boat, Imperious Countess first outing with new riggers and a new crew formation. In the water, the first stroke appeared to demonstrate a complete inability to row but captain Ruth Poulten (bow) navigated “gate-gate” with calm and confidence and thanks to on-land support and a spanner, gates and oars adjusted, once again the crew were mobile. Ruth steered the course superbly for a respectable timed result. Handicaps placed Stratford third behind two home crews. Ruth Poulten said, “Crew camaraderie, team focus and determination ensured we overcame a number of obstacles on the day to complete the 2k race with smiles all round.”

The newly formed Women’s Masters C crew of Rebecca England (stroke), Ellie Davis, Lucy Scarlett, Gina Fusco were joined by J16 Cox Rory in a coxed four. They started well and settled into a strong rhythm. Pushing off the bend, they were able to increase their power, upping the rate and ably steered by Rory Jones, they overtook two quads ahead of them. This gave them the momentum they needed to finish strongly and take the win.

Last up of the day for Women’s Masters was the beginners quad crew of Sarah Walker (bow), Charlotte Juxon (2), Urania O’Reilly (3), Sally Bliss (stroke) and Jen Carey (cox). They came over the line in great form to finish second of three in their first ever head race together. They kept a steady rate from the start with a final push to secure their position. the crew were super proud of what they achieved.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page sixty three and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/stratford-rowers-are-out-in-force-at-evesham-event-9437519 and also Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-win-medals-galore-at-evesham-autumn-head and also back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/10/17&pages=24

Stratford’s Masters Triumph at Chester

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Sunday saw Stratford upon Avon Boat Club make the long journey up to Chester for their premier small boats head. The event, raced over 5km, attracts a strong field of competitors as it acts as a training ground for the upcoming London national small boat events.

Stratford Boat Club, represented by Tom Doherty and Rebecca England in the mixed masters double, were up against crews from both the Midlands and the North of England. Blustery conditions and a strong stream made for lively racing. Stratford, setting off at thirty strokes a minute with strong, youthful competitors from Pengwern chasing them down, settled into a good rhythm. Nip and tuck racing saw neither club giving any quarter as both crews overtook a number of other small boats along the course. With the race heading towards the last kilometre, both crews took it up in an attempt to make a decisive push for the line. Stratford, increasing their rate to thirty two strokes per minute, were determined to hold Pengwern at bay and gain the win.

Reflecting on the victory, Rebecca England commented, “It was great to compete over a longer, more challenging course and come out with a positive result to start the head season.”

For media coverage see Stratford Observer back page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/09/26&pages=24 and online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-masters-double-triumph-at-chester and also Stratford Herald page forty four and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/decisive-push-for-the-line-proves-crucial-in-stratford-s-suc-9435034

Stratford Excel at Ross

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The traditional end of season event for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club arrived over the Bank Holiday weekend with thirty one crews travelling to Ross Regatta. The event is considered a classic on the club racing calendar with two days of racing on the beautiful River Wye. This year, low rivers levels demanded a change in the course and prior experience at the event was no longer an advantage.

For Stratford’s Masters, Rebecca England and Lucy Scarlett enjoyed racing the short 550m sprint course in the Women’s Masters A/B double on Sunday. They started well at a lively rate of thirty eight strokes per minute and quickly moved up on Evesham, their opposition, who benefitted from the staggered start. Settling at thirty six strokes a minute, Stratford powered through to take the lead which they held to the end, winning by a comfortable four lengths.

Whilst the J13 and J14 squads were not at full strength, they made their mark on Sunday’s sprint regatta. Racing over 500m of sun-drenched River Wye the youngest members of the Club chalked up some commendable displays of composed sculling with several victories in qualifying heats. The J13 boys will have doubtless absorbed some technical lessons that will prove vital as they look to develop throughout the coming season, whilst the J14 boys (Reuben Stanford and Connor Birrell) sculled beautifully but were finally outmatched by strong opposition from local clubs in their finals. However, the day truly belonged to the girls with Charlotte Franklin (WJ13.1x), Abi Dunn (WJ14.1x) and the WJ14 double scull of Martina Bruce-Bonilla with Bethany Hammond working their way through their heats to claim deserved victories in respective finals.

Coach of the J13/14 squads Jon Francis was impressed by their performance. “Ross is our traditional end to the summer regatta season and a great place for our athletes to shine. They all gave it everything they had and I’m delighted with the results”.

In the J15 events, Rory Rowan and Euan Richter took on home favourites from Ross Rowing Club in the double sculls event but were unable to overturn the Ross combination who were lifted to new heights by the home crowd support.

Stratford’s J16 squad competed in a mix of J16 and senior events as they sought to make a mark on the Regatta.  Fielding no fewer than five crews in the senior double sculls event the crews raced each other plus visitors from Exeter Rowing Club, City of Bristol RC and Stourport Boat Club. Lily and Poppy Warren succumbed to Exeter however then went on to win over Poppy and Martha Baines. Martha Cooke and Millie Smith pushed Bristol hard to the line whilst Alexandra and Bryony Francis saw off Stourport Boat Club. The Francis combination then met Sophie Evans and, fresh out of retirement, Imogen North. North and Evans pipped the Francis crew and then went on to avenge the other Stratford crews by beating Exeter in the final to take the winners pots.

Elsewhere in the draw, the WJ16 coxless quadruple sculls event was an all too familiar showdown between Stratford and Evesham.  The Stratford crew came out on top with a solid win and a place on the top step of the podium.

The day continued with another J16 athlete rowing up to senior in the women’s single sculls event.  A plucky row from Martha Baines saw here come close to causing upset in the event however narrowly missed out to a handy sculler and eventual finalist from Stourport.

In the WJ16 double sculls event, the combination of Maeve Dunn and Isla Dunn overhauled Queen’s Park Chester Boat Club to secure a final versus Stratford’s own Poppy Warren and Bryony Francis.  A race to the line saw Maeve and Isla take the win getting the job Dunn in style!

In the morning division, the J17/18 squad fielded two mixed doubles, with V Vondrak and Xavier Sissins-Roffey first down the course. They started strong, winning their first race against Ross by a length to move onto the semi-final. Hoping to meet the other Stratford mixed double in the final, in the next race they faced a strong crew from City of Bristol who ultimately beat them by a quarter of a length. Meanwhile the crew of Seth Vondrak and Lucy Sartain put in a strong performance in the other semi-final of the event against scullers from home club Ross, racing with composure to win by a length over the senior crew. They then faced a strong Bristol crew in the final where they sculled well, executing their race plan but eventually losing out by just half a length.

Also in the morning, the multiple Women’s doubles crews, including three pairs of sisters made up of J16 & J17s! First up were sisters Lily and Poppy Warren, who started off strong and persevered through a tough race but unfortunately lost out to their opposition. Up next were sisters Poppy and Martha Baines: in a well executed race, the pair had a strong finish but ultimately fell short against strong opposition from Exeter. Also racing in the W2x event was J17 athlete Sophie Evans and her coach Imogen North. They raced against Exeter successfully in their first race and went on to win against another Stratford double in their semi-final. This resulted in a close race against another Exeter crew in the final where they took the win for the event.

In the afternoon, the mixed four crew of Alexandra Francis, Xavier Sissins-Roffey, Ollie Rowlands, Poppy Baines and cox Will Dalrymple-Baker raced up into the open fours category. Opposed by a strong and experienced crew from Bristol, they narrowly missed out on a final after a well executed sprint race. In the Op2- event, two scratched crews meant that the Stratford pair made up of siblings Seth and V Vondrak were in a straight final, coming up against a composite Hereford/City of Bristol crew. Although they rowed an excellent race, they lost to the opposing crew who had a couple years more experience than them, as frequently happens when racing up in the Open category. Finally, in the mixed quads event Nick, Amélie, Toby and Lucy Sartain came together as a family. They rowed well, overcoming the challenges that come with rowing with crew mates of varying sizes (!) to finish just short of the eventual winners of the event, Ross.

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-triumph-at-end-of-season-ross-regatta and also back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/08/29&pages=24