Tag Archives: Thomas Doherty

Stratford Take The Honours at City of Oxford Regatta

Posted on by

On Saturday, Thomas Doherty and Rebecca England represented Stratford in the mixed masters CDE double sculls at City of Oxford Regatta. For their first race, they faced Swindon, a fellow D crew, in the semi-final and enjoyed a comfortable win over the 1000m course. A harder task awaited in the final where they came up against Abingdon. Being older, Abingdon had the advantage of a head start which allowed them to negate the disadvantage of their bend. Even though Stratford had a fast start and a good row, they were unable to row down the deficit on this occasion, coming second out of the six starting crews.

Stratford’s adaptive section visited Oxford Sprint regatta in force on Sunday aiming to take the cup for the best performing Adaptive team. This they duly did comfortably, winning six of the nine events they competed in.

Star of the show for Stratford was the fourteen year old Tristan Caudle-Stephens. He won both his singles and doubles events. In his single, he sculled beautifully against his City of Oxford opponent who had won two weeks early at Maidenhead, winning by three lengths. In the double there was a close fight between Guildford and Tristan and Neville Hand. Technique ultimately told for another three length Stratford win. These were Tristan’s first ever event victories.

Stratford Boat Club’s adaptive squad other fourteen year old athlete Lance Fowler also won a singles event, defeating his Marlow opponent in the final by the ubiquitous three length margin.

Stratford’s James Bastin, who has multiple disabilities, raced with his former Stratford adaptive rower colleague Andy Morris, now at Stourport, and they were drawn against Oxford in his straight final. Another epic fight resulted in a narrow and popular win for James.

The Wards mother/son combo completed a good regatta season against old rivals from the City of Oxford: a tight race ended with Stratford less than a length in front. Also, Ricky Clutterbuck, after suffering disappointment in his single, combined with Andy Morris to defeat another City of Oxford double by a convincing five lengths.

There were final defeats for Edward Owen-Smith in a double, Ricky in his single and for Christiane and Helen Helliwell’s double. All learnt from the experience.

Edward Owen-Smith also competed in the J15 mainstream singles event as there was no one fast enough to compete against him in the adaptive events and no J14 event. He was a little outgunned and lost his semi-final.

Jake Blatcher got through a tough semi-final in the Open Singles. His final opponent from Falcon proved a tougher nut: Falcon took an early lead but Jake was forcing his way back until he made a mistake. This sealed his fate and Falcon went on to win by just under two lengths.

Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach commented, “The Victor Ludorum Cup and to honour an adaptive rowing pioneer Andy Weekes who died in February, was our target. All who raced and helped, contributed to Stratford’s adaptive squad taking the honours. City of Oxford regatta completes the adaptive squad’s regatta season. Our next major target is the British Indoor Rowing Championships which this year combined with the Worlds in early December.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page thirty nine.

Stratford Triumph at Stourport and Peterborough

Posted on by

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club enjoyed a strong day of racing at Stourport Regatta on Saturday 15 August, with crews competing across junior and masters events on the 1000m course.

The morning saw two Stratford women’s  junior double sculls take to the water. The crew of Alexandra Francis and Millie Smith crew raced in the semi-final against Hereford Rowing Club, while Poppy Baines and Martha Baines faced Worcester Rowing Club in the other semi-final. Both Stratford crews were narrowly denied places in the final, with Hereford and Worcester progressing to the final, which was subsequently won by the Hereford crew.  There was further morning action for Seth Vondrak, racing in the Open J18 single sculls final against Monmouth Rowing Club with Monmouth the victor.

The afternoon brought even more Stratford representation. The crew of Ollie Rowlands, James Albrighton, Theo Richter and Seth Vondrak competed in the senior event for Open coxless quadruple sculls semi-final against Worcester. Both crews were unable to progress to their respective finals.  The afternoon’s racing continued with Poppy Baines, Martha Baines, Millie Smith and Isla Dunn producing an excellent performance in the Women’s Junior coxless quadruple scull semi-final against Stourport Boat Club to earn a place in the final. They then returned to the water later in the afternoon to take on Hereford Rowing Club and secured victory in the final.  There was further success for Alexandra Francis in the Women’s Junior single scull.  After defeating Worcester Rowing Club in the semi-final, Alexandra progressed to the final and completed the job by beating another Worcester crew to claim the event.

With two wins from the afternoon finals, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club finished the regatta on a high. Commenting, Steve Wellstead, J17/18 Coach and Junior Coordinator, said, “The results demonstrated the depth of racing across the Club, with junior, senior and masters crews all gaining valuable competitive experience and two Stratford crews progressing through the heats to deliver excellent performances when it mattered most.”

Corinna Burger and Helen Helliwell lined up for the Women’s Masters D2x semi-final against Warwick at Stourport. Conditions were hot with a slight headwind. A tricky start from the Stratford crew put Warwick ahead from the beginning but once they got into their rhythm they began chasing them down. Unfortunately, even with a final push, the duo couldn’t make up the gap and crossed the line in second place. It wasn’t the result the wanted but had good pieces to develop from.

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s Masters squad also competed at Peterborough Summer Regatta over the weekend The build up to this year’s Peterborough regatta started from many weeks before the event with Stratford crews as well prepared as they could be to tackle the 1,000 metre purpose built course. From the purchase of the new ladies’ VIII for the Club and the addition of Polydor the heavyweight 2x making it possible to enter into more races, the squad were set for a full on day of racing with a minimum of two races each from the twelve participants.

Caroline Collins, Charlotte Jones, Abby Symons and Jane Cryer had bravely entered the open w4-. Ellie Davis and Gina Fusco the W Masters E 2x event and Rebecca England and Suzie Radley England the W Masters C 2x event. This was also the line up for the VIII which would be the last event of the day for the ladies Masters. Tom Doherty, David Noyes, Dan Simkins and Pete Spivey made up a Men’s Masters E 4x and they split into the two double scull events with Tom and Pete entering in Masters F and Dan and David in Masters E.

Racing was spread out throughout the day and there was never a dull moment in proceedings but just enough time to recover between races and give our best efforts for the club. The weather had a gusty headwind in the morning followed by a humid and warm afternoon of racing.

Beginning the racing for Stratford were Suzie Radley and Rebecca England in the Women’s Masters C 2x. After a comfortable row to win their heat, they lined up for the final amidst gusty conditions. In a fairly exposed lane, they faced some steering challenges but finished a respectable second out of the seven crews behind very strong opposition from Peterborough City.

Ellie Davies and Gina Fusco rowing in the Women’s Masters E 2x were excited to race at Peterborough for the first time. Despite gusty conditions which made for a slightly zigzagging row, they successfully got through the semi-final and into the final. They came third out of five competitors overall but felt they gave a good performance against very strong opposition from Burton Leander and the winners Peterborough.

Stratford Boat Club women’s masters Charlotte Jones (stroke) Abby Symons, Jane Cryer, Caroline Collins (bow) raced in their coxless IV for the second time this regatta season and a lack of competition in their age category meant they had to row in the open category against younger crews from Chesterton, Globe and home crew Peterborough. Executing a clean and effective start, the crew settled into a good rhythm rating thirty two strokes per minute. Despite the challenges of steering in the strong gusty side-wind the crew managed to stay in their lane and gave a strong performance but were beaten by the younger crews. Caroline Collins, steering at bow said, “We are very pleased with performance and we are taking away great learning points about how to race in windy conditions.”

The Masters Men first race was Masters E quad. Pete Spivey (stroke) David Noyes, Dan Simkins and Thomas Doherty (bow) took to lane three in a straight final against three other crews with one younger Newark crew who had a time penalty. Gusty conditions meant that all crews including Stratford were finding rowing in their lanes challenging. By 250 metres, the Stratford crew had overtaken North Stafford and were bearing down on Bewl Bridge who were by now three quarters of a length ahead. Despite one of the Stratford crew catching a crab, they quickly regained momentum and speed. At 600 metres, the Stratford quad overtook Bewl Bridge and crossed the line winning first by a few lengths with a time was 3:58, a strong performance in the gusty conditions.

In the afternoon division the men began their doubles races. First up were Tom Doherty and Pete Spivey in the Men’s 2x Masters F/G in their first race together as a double. The semifinal presented a competitive field of Broxbourne, Doncaster and Peterborough City. Cautious off the start, by 500 metres, the Stratford crew had found a pace that matched the strong Broxbourne crew beside them and made it through to the final coming in just behind Broxbourne. Going into the final, the duo knew that it would be tough race against  Burton Leander, Sudbury and Broxbourne. The Stratford crew got a fast start hitting forty one strokes per minute and maintaining 34 from 100m to 500m by which point they were a length up on Broxbourne, half a length down on Burton Leander and cruising past Sudbury who had already lost their nine second head start. The Stratford team had to adjust course slightly which reduced their speed and Burton Leander pulled away. The battle continued and the Stratford crew raised the rate up to thirty six strokes per minute in the last 100 metres, giving it everything. They achieved a fast time and well-deserved second place only five seconds behind Burton Leander and half a length ahead of Broxbourne.

The second of the men’s doubles Masters E Dan Simkins and David Noyes went into the semi final determined to make the final which they did easily taking the win in their semi final. The final against Bewl Bridge, North Stafford and City of Cambridge began well for the duo, a composed start and into a good powerful rhythm which put them in a strong position in the race. Unfortunately, the Stratford crew caught a number of buoys down the course, as so many other crews had that day, which meant they finished several lengths behind Bewl Bridge but still achieved second place.

The late afternoon brought calmer conditions for the women as they came together to form a women masters E VIII crew Coxed by Rachel Evans, Ellie Davis (stroke) Gina Fusco, Rebecca England, Suzie Radley, Jane Cryer, Abby Symons, Charlotte Jones and Caroline Collins (bow). Racing a straight final against Chesterton and a Star/Milton Keynes composite. After waiting the nine seconds head start for the older composite crew, the Stratford women had a decisive and strong start taking the lead over Chesterton. The steady rhythm set by stroke giving powerful stroke length together with excellent coxing spurring them on, the Stratford crew closed the gap and rowed through the Star/Milton Keynes composite by the 500 metre point and were then able to consolidate a clear lead of ten seconds ahead by the finish. Abby Symons commented, “it’s great to bring home another decisive win for Stratford Boat Club in our new boat and to have executed our race plan to bring home another winner’s pot.”

At the end of the day Tom Doherty said, “Today was all rowing should be about; friendship, camaraderie, laughs and excellent and successful racing by everyone. Thanks so much to Dan for towing which made it all happen. Well done everyone, looking forward to many more days like this.”

For media coverage, see Stratford Observer back sports page https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2026/08/21&pages=32#page/30 and online https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-celebrate-wins-at-stourport-and-peterborough also Stratford Observer page forty two and online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/strong-showing-from-stratford-crews-at-stourport-regatta-9479006 and https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/new-boats-helps-to-bring-decisive-victory-for-masters-squad-9479004

For more great pictures of Stourport regatta, see Stuart Baines’ excellent selection https://onedrive.live.com/?id=%2Fpersonal%2F3dd8f6a70c0cb625%2FDocuments%2FPictures%2FStourport%20Regatta%202026&listurl=%2Fpersonal%2F3dd8f6a70c0cb625%2FDocuments&ithint=folder&e=A0DZtO&migratedtospo=true&redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2YvYy8zZGQ4ZjZhNzBjMGNiNjI1L0lnQVZIRXVLSnlMaFFLV1A2NXJ0TUJZZ0FVZHdmcERQaVM3Y3Y2Q3A0ejFvZmJBP2U9QTBEWnRP&ga=1

Stratford Masters & Adaptives Score at Burton, Henley & Llandaff

Posted on by

Rebecca England and Thomas Doherty represented Stratford upon Avon Boat Club at Burton Regatta on Saturday. Racing in the mixed masters D/E double sculls, they faced an older Loughborough crew who consequently had a head start. The 1.1km course included several tricky bends which had got the better of many a crew in the morning division. However, after a fast start and some hard steering around the first corner, the Stratford 2x caught and overtook their opponents. Maintaining a good length through the straight and into the long, final bend, England and Doherty were able to extend their lead, taking victory by five lengths. 

Later in the weekend, Stratford Women’s Masters joined forces with Bewdley Rowing Club to row as a composite eight at the prestigious Henley Masters Regatta. A clear win of one and a quarter lengths over the 1km course on Saturday against Champions of the Thames (Cambridge) took the crew through to the semi-final on Sunday. Despite the rising temperatures, the crews were well matched for the first half of the race but Wallingford composite pulled away, winning by one and three quarter lengths, going on to win the whole event for Masters F category. The Stratford crew comprised Jane Cryer (4), Abby Symonds (3), Caroline Collins (2) and Gina Fusco (Bow). Commenting Jane Cryer said, “It was such a privilege and joy to row on the Henley Royal Regatta course and under such beautiful conditions. We gave two very gutsy rows and are really pleased with our results and especially how collaborative the sport of rowing is when two clubs come together to race.”

Stratford’s adaptive squad also competed over the weekend at Llandaff with a good row from Gillian Middleton despite the wind.

Commenting on the day, parent Chris Owen-Smith said, “Thank you Mark for all the coaching, driving, organising, rigging, de-rigging and everything else you do for us. A great day today and well done to everyone there. What a fabulous team effort! The chairman of Llandaff Rowing Club approached Edward at the end of the regatta and awarded him a medal for his effort after hearing about it being his first J14 mainstream event and coming so close to winning it. They are such a welcoming club and the regatta has a brilliant atmosphere!”

Commenting further on the day’s racing, Mark Dewdney, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach said, “The athlete who beat Edward won his later final easily: he is winning regularly so Edward is still very competitive in the mainstream able bodied category.”

Stratford’s Jake Blatcher also won Men’s 1x category and Paola and Ian Ward v Josh & Ethan were in an all Stratford epic. The Stratford mother and son combo won by half a length.

Edward Owen-Smith in his first mainstream J14 event missed a stroke near finish and opposition took advantage to win by a few feet even though Edward was in lead 20m from finish.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald online https://www.stratford-herald.com/sport/duo-are-victorious-after-success-for-stratford-pair-at-burto-9475051 and page fifty three

Stratford Clean Up at Evesham!

Posted on by

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 Score at Northwich Spring Head

Posted on by

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 Conquer The Tideway and Gloucester Canal!

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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’s Juniors and Masters Score at Nottingham and Birmingham

Posted on by

Following the recent West Midlands trials, Stratford upon Avon Boat Club juniors headed to Nottingham’s National Water Sports Centre to represent the region at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta.  A national level event, the athletes competed against regional crews from Scotland to Wessex and everywhere between. Stratford’s J14 boys were representing the West Midlands in the quad and approached the time trial with a now familiar enthusiasm. Just seconds separated the nine fastest boats and the crew of Reuben Stanford, Connor Birrell, Nathan Lebordais, Herbie Shickle and Tristan Hammick (cox) missed a slot in the A final by just a fraction of a second. They embraced the challenge of side-by-side racing on the big stage in a thrilling show-down across the full 1.5km, with the lead swapping between them and Thames London throughout. With fearsome encouragement from their cox, Stratford timed their final surge to perfection for a deserved B final victory.

Stratford’s J15 squad had two crews taking part in the inter regionals regatta. First up in the 1000m time trials, the composite WJ15 4+ of Orla Linforth, Maria Ntoukaki, Erin Appleton and Daisy Wilkes (Evesham Rowing Club sculler), coxed by Ed Appleton, rowed well and qualified for the B final with the crew bemoaning their stroke rate and their catches. Next up in the OJ15 2x event, Seb Happel and Will Shaw had a good row and qualified for the C final. In the afternoon, the WJ15 4+ came fourth in their 1500m stake boat start final, finishing ahead of WAGS/Wales and Wessex. The OJ15 2x won their final, beating WAGS/Wales. J15 Coach Hugo Happel said, “The J15’s showed good technique on the water, gave 100%, took the learning from the Time Trials into the Finals and showed superb team spirit and collective off the water. Brilliant work and attitude: they should be very proud!”

The women’s J16 coxless four crew of Martha Cooke, Becca Smith, Martha Baines and Millie Smith delivered a solid row in the time trial to secure a place in the B Final. Lining up against sweep rowing powerhouses such as Aberdeen Schools, the girls exploded from the start and took an early lead by clear water. The race remained a close run event with Stratford battling to hold a lead over the fast charging opposition eventually losing ground in the closing stages to cross the line in fourth place.

Meanwhile closer to home, the newly formed masters 2x crew of Rebecca England (stroke) and Lucy Scarlett (bow) travelled to Edgbaston Reservoir on Saturday to compete at Birmingham Regatta over the 700m laned course. Having been promoted out of the lower category due to a lack of opposition, the Stratford double faced a tough race against home favourites, Birmingham. Fortunately, weather conditions were favourable with flat water and little breeze. While being held on the staked start for a previous incident to be cleared, anticipation and nerves grew. However, the Stratford duo started smoothly and powerfully, edging ahead of their opposition early on. When lengthening into their race pace, they were able to maintain an efficient rate of thirty three strokes per minute which enabled them to pull further away from the Birmingham crew. Lucy, at bow, steered an excellent line which saw the Stratford double cross the finish two lengths ahead, taking the win. Rebecca and Lucy would like to extend a special thanks to Thomas Doherty for transporting the boat and enabling them to race. They now hope to build on this success, developing their training to become a more established crew throughout the summer.

For media coverage, see Stratford Herald page forty five and Stratford Observer online https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-boat-club-masters-pair-win-gold-at-birmingham-regatta and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2025/05/02&pages=24

For pictures of JIRR, see Stuart Baines’ great selection https://onedrive.live.com/?redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2YvYy8zZGQ4ZjZhNzBjMGNiNjI1L0V0RUJkazdaeXVaSHJnbVR2X3BoeENRQjVZWEZBWlVYYkJEbEVXcG1sUWRHOEE%5FZT1JRUdxbE8&id=3DD8F6A70C0CB625%21s4e7601d1cad947e6ae0993bffa61c424&cid=3DD8F6A70C0CB625

MASTERS CONQUER THE TIDEWAY!

Posted on by

Mx E 4x Upton/Stratford upon Avon
Veterans’ Fours Head of the River 2022

The Veteran Fours Head took place on the Tideway on the River Thames in London on Sunday. The event raced over the 6.8km championship course from Mortlake to Putney, hosted no less than two hundred and thirty three crews from all over the UK competing in the premier long-distance race for four person crews and presented a spectacular sight with boats nose to tail along the river Thames waiting for the off.

With crews ranging from elite Olympians to octogenarians, the event gave the chance for everyone to show what they could do on what was a cold but sunny day and for the Thames, benign water conditions.

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club were dually represented by Heather Hayton and Thomas Doherty racing with their friends and long-time rowing partners from Upton Rowing Club Tabatha and Julian Scrivener in their masters mixed quad. This successful crew, current National Champions in their age group, had some serious unfinished business having lost the same competition last year by a mere one tenth of a second to their arch rivals Molesey Rowing Club.

With Molesey again in the competition, the stage was set for a big rematch. Molesey, with some outstanding rowers in the crew, were never going to surrender their title lightly and the stage was set for a gruelling race between two evenly matched crews with every stroke needing to count and no room for error. Starting two boats ahead of Molesey, the Stratford/Upton crew knew what they had to do if they were to overturn last year’s result and from the off, as the crew passed the start line, the boat kicked into gear. Commenting, Julian Scrivener, bow and steersman said, “As soon as we passed the start, I felt the boat surge and I knew we were all on it from the first stroke”. With Tabatha Scrivener at stroke laying down an excellent rhythm, the crew powered down the course settling into a strong rhythm at thirty three strokes per minute. Said Heather Hayton, experienced Stratford rower, “It was essential we had a good first kilometre as we knew Molesey would be fast out of the blocks and needed to hold them off.”

A powerful but efficient and relaxed rhythm was essential to maintain the Stratford/Upton boat speed and by Barnes Bridge, the crew had settled into their race plan. With the other competitors in the specific age category event falling by the wayside, it wasn’t long before Molesey overtook crews to position themselves directly behind the Stratford/Upton boat and the race was set for the next four kilometres of the course. Said Tom Doherty, the second Stratford crew member, ”We knew it was game on now and we came under sustained pressure from Molesey who knew they were in a race and were determined to catch us. The slightest mistake, even for one stroke, would have cost us the race: the pressure was immense!”

On a large river with a strong stream, conditions were fast, and this made it essential for the crew to steer a good course with so much time being lost for being out of position, Julian Scrivener had a huge job to keep the boat correctly positioned in the stream to maximise race conditions. Approaching Hammersmith bridge with approximately five kilometres gone and everybody feeling the pain and pressure, there was no observable difference in position between Molesey who still chased Stratford/Upton. Everybody in the crew knew no matter how tired and painful it was they could not let up even for a couple of strokes and coming under Hammersmith Bridge, it was time for another big push.

With the stroke rate maintained at thirty three strokes per minute, the boat was moving fast and the Stratford/Upton crew knew they had to seek out the smallest of gains over the remaining 1.8 kilometres. At this point in the race, several slower crews were encountered which can have a detrimental effect on boat speed as they are overtaken but this year there were no hold up as Stratford/Upton steered a great racing line past Fulham Football Club into the final stages at Putney.

Greeted by the amazing spectacle of crowds of rowers outside the Putney boat houses, it was now or never as the whole crew put in a final push to cross the line. With no energy for any display of relief or emotion, the crew had the satisfaction of knowing they had a great race and could not have gone any faster. Said former GB international rower Julian Scrivener, “That was one of the best quad races I’ve ever been in!” It was not obvious with Molesey crossing the line not far behind Stratford/Upton who had won with both crews exhausted and pensive and knowing they would now have to await the official results later in the day. Finally, the results when they came, they were all Stratford/Upton could have wished for in overturning last year’s result with a magnificent win over Molesey in a time of 21 minutes and 6.8 seconds to Mosley’s 21 minutes and 12.8 seconds! With the final comment, Heather Hayton said, “A year of hurt and hard training has paid off! I could not be more proud of my crew mates and in particular Julian who brought all his Tideway experience to bear in steering a magnificent course. We are shattered but happy!”

For media coverage, please see Stratford Herald pages fifty six and page fifty one and Stratford Observer https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/sport/rowing-stratford-masters-conquer-the-tideway and back sports page https://www.stratfordobserver.co.uk/editions/view/?/Stratford/2022/11/25&pages=024