Trophy triumph at Spring Regatta

HEATHER Hayton battled with tough conditions to win the WMD solo trophy at the Worcester Spring Regatta.

And it was also a successful event for the women’s masters eight who reached the final of their event.

Hayton said: “The River Severn is always challenging and Saturday was no different, fast stream and a cross wind. Worcester Spring Regatta was my first race in the 1x this year, it was a positive experience, a good benchmark to work from and it was lovely to hear our women’s eight cheer for me on my way down the course.”

The eight was coxed by Jen Carey, stroked by new club member, Californian Adrienne Abreu with Rebecca England making the stern pair. Following behind them were Helen Helliwell, Lin Hansen, Charlotte Jones, Fiona Schulz, Gina Fusco and Claudine Pearson taking bow seat.

The crew were grateful for their experienced cox who expertly navigated the long queue as well as the race with a fast stream. The eight made a powerful and efficient start which settled

into a confident rhythm to take the first race against Worcester.

But river regattas can be unpredictable and Stratford’s opponents in the final were a Bewdley crew whose age difference gave them a six second advantage. Stratford were hindered under the umpire’s command at the start, costing them dearly. Although they gained on their opposition, the advantage was too large to make up.

Amanda Bowden, masters’ vice-captain, summed up the event: “I am delighted to see Stratford beating the opposition so convincingly in the first round. Winning the event would have been the ideal, however I felt they beat the better crew in the first race.

“This was another valuable learning experience for all the crews.”

The earlier division saw David Timmins and Lucy Scarlett race against Birmingham in the first round of the senior mixed doubles. It is early days for this newly-formed crew and although they went out, they had a very good row and enjoyed the race.

Also at the weekend, Stratford Boat Club’s sister club King Edward VI School Boat Club headed to Dorney Lake for the Ball Cup Regatta.

First down the course for KES was A. Appleton in WJ17 1x. She had a storming scull to finish second in her heat and comfortably progress to the final where she made a better start and finished with a very credible silver medal.

Later in the morning the J18 4x of W Dalrymple-Baker, H Hoare, A Mathers and M Cullimore raced down the course progressing comfortably to the final where they came fourth behind some strong opposition.

T Shields and H Perry went in the WJ18 2x in what was Shields’ first race and they finished tenth of the 15 crews.

In the Girls Ball Cup Fours, the crew of M Rowan, E Cooper, J Long, A Appleton and cox E Mitchell put in a very impressive performance to pull away and take the win.

KES entered two teams in the boys’ event and both made a good start. The A crew of W Dalrymple-Baker, H Hoare, A Mathers, D Shilvock and cox E Mitchell won to take the solverware with the B crew of M Cullimore, H Frost, F Groves, T Woodcock and cox A Appleton taking silver.

Finally it was the turn of the WJ18 4x crew of M Rowan, T Shields, E Cooper and J Long who had a great race narrowly missing out by less than half a length to take the silver medal.

Hannah Crone, head of KES Rowing said: “It was a great day for the squad coming home with five medals and winning both the girls and boys Ball Cup Fours for the second year running.”