On Sunday, Mr Munro and Miss McKellar took nine Year 12 girls and their cox Ollie Riley to Worcester for their first race of the season. This head race was purely for experience; the coaches simply briefed the girls to try their best and just make sure they complete the course of 4,500 metres. However, the girls were determined to achieve more than this, as they recorded a memorable win.
In the morning division the, girls made up two fours and a single. All boats were racing in the J18 age category, one year above their year group. After a long row up to the start, the girls’ fours started strongly and maintained their pace throughout the race. This convincing row sealed one of the fours their first win! Congratulations to Poppy Stebbings, Scarlett Martin, Bethan Tinker, Charlotte Scales and cox Ollie Riley. The other Shiplake four which included, Daisy Gill, Claire Fifield, Louisa Bird, Millie Smith and cox Miss McKellar, also had a very strong row and took a close second place. The girls would like to thank Miss McKellar for stepping in and coxing them in both divisions.
Following them down the course was Anna Davies in her single, again racing in the age category above. Anna was just beaten by four seconds resulting in second place.
The afternoon division consisted of the same boats (two fours and a single), with the crews mixed up. All crews completed the course in a slower time, which is not surprising after such a long first race.
Head Coach Mr Munro commented: "We entered the event to allow the girls to gain some experience of racing, but I am obviously delighted with the unexpected victory. The group have all been working hard in training sessions and if this continues I am confident we will see further progress over the months to come. A special thank you must go to Anna Davies for writing this report and my colleagues Miss McKellar and Mr Davies for giving up their Sunday to support the girls and provide transport to the event."
