On Monday 16 March the Boat Club competed in the main event
of the spring term: the Schools Head of the River. The course is the reverse of
the Oxford V’s Cambridge race, starting at Chiswick Bridge to Putney
embankment. This historic race was founded by Westminster School, who still
organise and run the event. This national competition hosted every rowing
school in the country, totalling 329 crews. Finishing times varied from the
quickest at 17:58, to the slowest at 24:53.
This event is a great opportunity for every boat club to see
their standing across the country. Westminster School must be congratulated for
producing the quickest time of the day, and taking the Head of the River with
their Senior Boys 1st VIII. For our Senior Squad, this even has been
the motivation through two long terms of training, with their goal being to
step up into the Championship 8+ division- leaving behind the lower ranked 1st
8’s division.
The 1st VIII have seen steady weekly improvements
during training. Putting in a strong performance, the crew finished 10th
in their division of Championship 8, with ranks them as the 10th
fastest school in the country. The crew proved they deserved to race in the
premier division, as they beat all the First 8 schools we have historically
raced. This was a creditable performance and should be used to build confidence
ahead of the regatta season.
The Second VIII finished 13th fastest Second VIII.
Their time positioned them 97th overall.
The J16 squad have shown great spirit and motivation this
term in their training. All these boys are clearly hungry for success this
year, with an understanding of what to do in order to achieve their goals. The
J15 and J16 crews feel a slight disadvantage at the Schools Head, having only
started rowing in January. All their main opposition will have been rowing
since September. However, the J16 A VIII finished 5th fastest in the
J16 championship, beating off strong competition from Shrewsbury and Eton- a
very encouraging result as we head into regatta season!
The J16 B boat suffered with illness, therefore did not have
their full strength crew. The boys enjoyed the event and gained from the
experience of racing on the tideway, finishing 6th in the J16 Second
VIII’s and 139th overall.
For the J15 squad this event was about experience and inspiration.
Both the A and B crew rowed well, and enjoyed being part of the event. Despite
a lack of experience, both crews put in a good performance and proved that they
do have the determination to succeed, finishing 223rd and 316th
respectively.
The J18 Girls IV+ had a great experience, enjoying being
part of the event and stepping outside their comfort zone. Three of the girls
participating only started rowing in September, so to be taking part of one of
the biggest National events after only six months of rowing is commendable. The
girls finished in position 326 overall.
For a full table of results, please click here.
To see more photos from the event, please click here.