Last Saturday the Rowing Club took part in the Avon Autumn Head of the River. We entered a number of crews focussed on VIIIs & coxed IVs, and after a soaking, windy and freezing start to the day, division one produced some good results. The Senior IV achieved a strong performance putting themselves as the 12th fastest crew amongst VIIIs, IVs and quads from universities and clubs as well as other schools. The J15s also did well gaining 3rd place in Novice VIIIs facing strong competition from Bath University. But by far the greatest success of the morning was the J16 VIII who not only won the division overall by 30 seconds, but were also third fastest crew of the day overall – only slower by one second to Cardiff University’s 1st VIII. Congratulations to Tom, Tony, Ben, Robbie, George, Leon, Ryan, Joe and especially Jack for his entertaining commentary and confident steering!
In the afternoon division, the J15s raced again in a slightly different combination and this time came second in J15 VIIIs to a strong Reading Bluecoats crew. The seniors also race in 2 matched VIIIs and had a rather wayward Cheltenham College crew not blocked the bridge halfway down the course, would have been very close indeed. Some useful experience gained by all – including the coaches. Four of the J16 VIII also raced in J16 IVs and won again – beating the opposition by a minute.
Photographs courtesy of Oarstruck Photography
