Hogan Impresses at GB Trials

A selection of Shiplake’s most promising rowers travelled to Nottingham earlier this month for the latest round of GB rowing trials.

Accompanied by Mr Tom Fitton, we initially put two pairs forward for the first race off. Max Hearnden was partnered with Joe from Winchester College, while Harry Hogan was due to row with a friend from Reading Blue Coat. However, after he pulled out with illness, fellow Shiplake 1st VIII member Harry Berkley stepped in at the last minute.

With only the top seven pairs set to qualify for the final round of trials, the pressure was on immediately. Max and Joe came in 16th place, while Harry and Harry earned a remarkable 10th best time. Whilst this was not enough to qualify automatically, it was a phenomenal effort given their lack of practice together.

In view of this, Harry Hogan was invited to attend the final trials and joined up with another rower whose pairs partner had pulled out injured. Unfortunately Harry did not make the GB boats but he came very close. The whole experience was extremely valuable for him and puts him in the top 35 juniors in the country. Harry’s stepfather Martin Cruddace commented: “We are really proud of Harry and the GB under 23’s better watch out over the next year or two!”

Max and Harry Hogan will be hoping to continue their excellent progress at university next year while Harry Berkley will once again row for the Shiplake 1st VIII as he enters Year 13.