Tag Archives: Stratford’s Masters

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

Stratford Scores at Boston and Bedford

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The weekend saw over one hundred and twenty of the fastest female U19 athletes in the country take to the water up in Boston for the first round of Junior GB trials. One Stratford upon Avon Boat Club WJ17 athlete Alexandra Francis met the threshold to attend the 5k water trial. Alexandra set off strong, showing off her technical prowess as she settled into the race, maintaining her composure to finish in seventy sixth place. Commenting, Imogen North, J17 Coach said, “In a very competitive field with small margins between the athletes, this is a solid start for Alexandra!”

Meanwhile over the weekend Stratford’s Masters’ athlete Tom Doherty raced at Star Head on the Great Ouse in Bedfordshire coming second (on handicap adjustments) to Yare Rowing Club in a time of eight minutes and thirty two seconds for the 1850m course. Amanda Bowden, Stratford’s Masters’ Vice Captain said, “The course can prove challenging to navigate, as the river passes under several bridges. Tom sculled a strong consistent race in windy conditions and even he commented, ‘not bad for my first ever single sculls race!’ “.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty seven and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-junior-sculler-competes-at-gb-trials and also back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2024/11/22&pages=32

Stratford’s Juniors’ & Masters’ Stellar Performances at Henley Women’s Regatta & Ironbridge

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The Henley Women’s Regatta stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of female rowers, showcasing intense competition and the spirit of sportsmanship. Stratford upon Avon Boat Club junior 16 composite crew of Gracie Janes (AB), Pheobe Asquith (AB), Alexandra Francis (SuABC), and Daisy O’Reilly (CBR), their alliance, a blend of clubs from AB Severn, Stratford upon Avon, and City of Bristol, emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Despite the brevity of their union, they rowed in perfect harmony, displayed remarkable synergy and tenacity, securing a place in the finals of the quadruple sculls. Their journey through the regatta, from strong time trials to the nail-biting final, highlights the crew’s potential and sets a promising stage for their individual pursuits at the GB v France trials. Commenting Colin Bell, Stratford’s J16 Coach said, “Their achievement, within such a brief period of collaboration, is indeed a remarkable feat in the world of competitive rowing!”

Stratford’s J18 squad entered Maddie Hall, Molly Vondrak, Uch Nwachukwu, Kate Richardson and coxswain Imogen Hill in the The Groton School Challenge Cup for coxed fours at Henley Women’s Regatta. Twenty two crews took part in the time trial with the fastest sixteen gaining entry to the heats. The Stratford girls went out hard and looked sharp as they attacked the relatively short 1,400m course. They produced a quick time and qualified for the heats.

Drawn against Tyne Rowing Club, who had finished fourth at the National Schools’ Regatta, Stratford knew it would be a tough race, but they had a chance if they could keep within a length of Tyne until the last 600m sprint for the line. Stratford led off the start and stayed within a length of Tyne until halfway, but Tyne gradually pulled away in the second half of the race to win by three lengths. J18 Coach Sam Hill said, “The girls put in a great performance, they rowed with great skill and thoroughly enjoyed the event. It has been a fitting finale to their regatta season.”

Also at the weekend, Stratford’s Masters were at Ironbridge Rowing Club Regatta which did not disappoint: the Ironbridge Rowing Club and regatta are nestled at the bottom of the large gorge in idyllic surroundings. The organisation of the regatta was exceptional and running to time.

The 900m course required a staggered start due to the stream advantage, which made steering interesting along the course.

Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden enjoyed the challenge of the occasion, having won the semis, the final provided the opportunity to capitalise and make improvements. Rowing through the opposition, who had a handicap head start, and appreciating the flat water, the Stratford double took it up in the last 200m, coming over the line first to the sound of the gong.

Heather Hayton had a very tight race and was unlucky to be beaten in the last few strokes as the opposition took the rating up.

Commenting, Amanda Bowden, Stratford’s Masters’ Vice Captain said, “The lovely green pots are actually models of Ironbridge power station cooling towers which used to tower over the course but were finally brought down last year. A collector’s item!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald page forty four

Wins for Stratford at Stourport in Blistering Heat!

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Stratford upon Avon Boat Club made their way to Stourport on Severn for the Stourport Boat Club annual regatta. Stratford’s Masters were the first to boat on the Saturday and in blistering temperatures, the 4x had a solid row, making improvements since the previous regatta. Later in the day, the 2x of Suzie Radley and Amanda Bowden were happy with their first race, winning a straight final.

Sunday saw the annual Sprint Regatta held over 650m on the River Severn. Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s J13 squad were in action with racing throughout the day. First to take to the water was the mighty double scull combination of Millie Smith and Becca Smith who gave the crowd something to get excited about with a three quarters of a length win over Trent Boat Club.

Celebrations were short lived however as the Smith duo pushed a quality outfit from AB Severn down the course in the final to lose out by three lengths. Next to go was the WJ13 coxed quadruple scull of Bryony Francis, Isla Dunn, Martha Cooke, Sophie Franklin and Josephine Cooper (coxswain). The girls rowed up to J14 level to race against Stourport Boat Club on their home water and sculled superbly to take the win with a dominant display of junior sculling.

With the waters of the Severn rapidly evaporating in the 35°C heat, the Stratford girls raced on into the afternoon with the WJ13 single sculls event next on the schedule. Stratford’s Millie Smith sculled with determination shortly after the double scull event to keep her opposition from Evesham on her toes in the single scull. Stratford J13 sculler Isla Dunn exerted revenge for Millie’s defeat with a solid win over the Evesham sculler to take her place in the final with AB Severn (who knocked out Stratford’s Sophie Franklin after a plucky row from the young sculler).

Once again it was a Stratford/AB Severn showdown and despite Isla’s best endeavours, the AB Severn sculler crossed the line with Stratford’s bows nipping at their stern. Last to go was the second WJ13 coxed quadruple scull race of the day with Becca Smith, Cara Berisford-Murray, Josephine Cooper, Martha Cooke and Bryony Francis (coxswain) who raced a straight final against Trent Boat Club. Another solid row from the Stratford girls brought the crowd to their feet with a round of applause as they passed the club grounds holding a one length lead to take the second win of the day.

The J17/J18 squad showed fantastic commitment over the whole weekend, racing in every division possible over the two days. Saturday morning began with a semi-final victory in the Open J18 single sculls event for Tomas Wilcock against a Derwent RC rower. The final of this event was one of the closest races of the day, with Wilcock beating a second Derwent Rowing Club boat by only three feet to claim the medal.

Following this, Freya Watts gave a strong effort in the WJ18 single sculls event, losing out on a spot in the final by one and a half lengths against Burton Leander Rowing Club. The first division ended with a great win in the WJ18 double sculls, where Ruby Howells and Lucy Browne executed a fine race plan to dominate the second half of the 1100m course and to claim victory over the home Stourport Boat Club by two lengths.

The afternoon led to new territory for Wilcock and Browne, who raced together for the first time in the exciting Mixed Double Sculls event. Unfortunately, the juniors were unable to perform against the Hereford senior rowers they were alongside and the semi-final was conceded. Howells and Watts also raced up in the Women’s’ Double Sculls, giving spectators a tightly fought battle between Stratford and Warwick, which resulted in a close win for Stratford by just a third of a length. Claiming three events in just one day, the Stratford juniors ended the afternoon with anticipation of the next day’s rowing.

Sunday saw the return of the Mixed Double sculls for Wilcock and Browne, who gave an impressive sprint over 600m, but resulted in a loss against Hereford RC once again. Watts also returned to the WJ18 single sculls, but similarly lost out to Hereford RC by just one length. In the afternoon’s division, Wilcock won the semi-final of the J18 single sculls event by another incredible margin of half a length, but could not replicate his win from the previous day as, in the final, a Hereford sculler powered to the finish and claimed the event.

Finally, to round off a great weekend of racing, Browne and Watts teamed up for the WJ18 double sculls event. Both the semi final and final witnessed impressive efforts from two more Stourport Boat Club pairings but Stratford were once more victorious in this event to end the weekend with another medal.

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/double-win-for-stratford-boat-clubs-juniors-at-stourport-9269317 and page forty three and Stratford Observer https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-impress-in-blistering-heat-at-stourport and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2022/08/19&pages=024