Success for Stratford-Upon-Avon Rowing Club

Stratfords senior women are basking in the glory of yet another win. Still on cloud-nine after last months Henley win they achieved yet another medal, this time a silver, at the National Championships of Great Britain at the weekend. The crew of Jennifer Smith (cox), Helen Ferguson, Suzanne Vance, Lorraine O'Hare and Megan Johnston had a very tough fight on their hands to ward off their opposition at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. This was to be their last ever race as a crew and they werent going to take it lightly. It turned out to be a straight final of six crews after three crews pulled out the previous day. This didn't make it any easier for the gutsy crew as they were up against the creme-de-la-creme of British rowing City of Oxford, Agecroft, Clydesdale and Marlow. But regardless of this they came second to City of Oxford in a time of 8:11.58 to Oxfords 8:06.79. Stratford has had a very good season this year and like Oxford had an excellent start after a torrential downpour soaked the crew. The rain caused the wind to abate and conditions were much better for afternoon rowing compared to the morning. The Stratford women would like to thank all those who have helped in some way in allowing them to achieve their dream. They wish to pay particular tribute to Felix Badcock for his coaching and support.

Stratford upon Avon Boat Club’s junior section had an exciting and really successful weekend at the National Rowing Championships 2009, held at The National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierpont, Nottingham from 17^th to 19^th July.

The girls J14 coxed quad of cox Alex Roe, Immy Flynn, Catherine Haseler, Gabi Jones and Fran Mills-Baker , all from the Girls Grammar School Stratford, did extremely well in their first high level event winning a place in their semi final. Unfortunately downpours, thunder and lightning disrupted their day and despite their best efforts they did not make it through to the final. Nevertheless this was a great effort against far more experienced crews.

The J 14 boys double scull of Oliver Edkins (St Benedicts) and Denis Zaboronsky (KES) faired better on the Friday being the fastest crew to win through to the final of the J14 event. This they won comfortably on Saturday winning gold and becoming the Club’s first J14 National Champions!

The older girls were not to be outdone and raced in two different combinations with girls from other regional crews. The Womens Junior coxed fours event saw them racing in the Sunday final against Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association, old adversaries of the Club. The crew of cox Alex Roe, Camilla Hadland, Katie Holroyd, Kalan-Mai Waite (Gloucester RC) and Emma Copham sadly lost out to Aberdeen but won Silver and will now race Aberdeen again, this time representing England in the Home Internationals to be held at Nottingham this weekend.

The coxless four crew of Camilla Hadland, Ruth Wyman (Evesham RC), Kalan-Mai Waite (Gloucester RC) and expertly steered by Emma Copham won both their semi-final on Saturday and their final on Sunday in great style giving them the England place in this event at the Home Internationals. The Club, coaches, parents and supporters are extremely proud of all those who took part at this national event and are delighted to see such a small club have such high level success.