Stratford Rowers Make a Strong Showing at Evesham Event
The Evesham Autumn Head made a notable return to the Stratford Boat Club’s racing schedule after several cancellations in previous years. Held over a 2000-meter course on the River Avon in Evesham, the event attracted significant participation, showcasing over 30 crews from the Stratford upon Avon Boat Club across three divisions.
Strong Performances by Stratford Rowers
Among the highlights was the newly formed Women’s Masters C crew, along with other victorious athletes from the club. The J14 teams also stood out, racing with enthusiasm across all three divisions.
Individual and Team Successes
- Chris Durance, Arthur Burt, and Archie Eaton competed in single sculls but faced strong competition from local Evesham crews.
- Islay Milles and Eva Cruise dominated the girls’ single sculls, securing first and second places in one of the largest events of the day.
- The Senior Women’s double crew reaffirmed their dominance by winning against tough opponents in Division Two.
Close Competitions
The J14 boys’ quad race between Stratford and Evesham became a thrilling local rivalry. The Evesham crew finished just under one second ahead of Stratford, highlighting the competitiveness of the event.
Coaches’ Reflections
Jon Francis, the club’s coach, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. He noted that their previous solid performances at Wallingford set the stage for capturing their first silverware of the season.
Young Talent in Action
The Stratford J17/J18 squad showed impressive skill throughout the day:
- The women’s J18 coxless quadruple scull team, consisting of Bryony Francis, Lily Warren, Josephine Cooper, and Poppy Warren, achieved a decisive victory.
- Ollie Rowlands and Theo Richter secured third place in the open J18 double scull competition.
- Alice Jones and Sophie Franklin also recorded a third-place finish in the women’s J18 double scull.
- Becca Smith narrowly missed out on a podium spot, finishing fourth in the women’s J18 single scull.
Final Races and Team Spirit
As the event progressed, the J17/J18 athletes participated in additional races, with memorable outcomes:
- The mixed J18 coxless quadruple scull team finished just two seconds ahead of AB Severn.
- The women’s J18 coxed four secured victory by two seconds over Evesham.
Corinna Burger and Helen Helliwell made their season debut in the Women’s Masters C double, coming second overall after navigating the challenging course. Ellie Davis and Gina Fusco won their first race together in the Women’s Masters E double, underscoring the strength of the Women’s Masters teams.
Overcoming Challenges
The Women’s Masters D quad, with a new crew formation, faced initial difficulties but managed to complete the race with commendable timing, finishing third overall. Ruth Poulten highlighted the camaraderie and determination displayed by her team, which helped them navigate obstacles throughout the day.
The day concluded with a strong finish from the Women’s Masters C crew and the beginners quad. Both teams celebrated their achievements, showcasing their progress in competitive rowing.
Conclusion
The Evesham Autumn Head was a successful event for Stratford upon Avon Boat Club, demonstrating the depth of talent within its ranks. With strong performances across various divisions, the club looks forward to further success in the rowing season ahead.
