On 7 March, crews from Shiplake College headed to the river in Reading to take part in Reading University's Head of the River race. Below are two reports on the event, from Henry Cawthorne and Tom Coates, about the excitement that unfolded on the day.
'The College Boat Club turned out in force at Reading University’s Head of the River race. All age groups were racing over the course of the afternoon, as a prelude to the Schools' Head of the River, which took place on 16 March. The Senior squad, now split into two fixed eights, intended to use the race as a pace maker for the Schools' Head which followed, and set down markers against the competition.
The race could not have been organised for a better day: with temperatures reaching 16C, the sun was blazing over a clear blue sky, and created a race that was enjoyable for rowers and spectators alike. The race was set to start at 3.00pm, with the 1st team setting off 168th, and 2nd team 177th. Both crews then raced the 4.6km distance, with coaches following on bikes in a ‘tour de Reading’ style race of their own, fighting other coaches for position on the path parallel to the river. The 1st team had the pleasure of two coaches; both Director of Rowing Mr David Currie, and their coach Mr Hugh Mackworth-Praed, both offering words of encouragement as they cycled. Both crews, spurred on by their coaches, finished strongly and posted a sold set of results for the College. The 1st team finished 9th, beating a number of crews including Radley, Pangbourne, St. Paul’s and Bedford. The second crew finished 36th, beating teams from Pangbourne, Bedford and the Oratory. Girls rowing also saw a good result, finishing respectably in their category and using the event as a stepping stone for the future. This was the first time that Shiplake Girls VIII entered an event, making history for the College.
As a way to enjoy the weather, both teams rowed the 8km back from Reading to Shiplake. With two solid performances by both crews, the afternoon ended well for all the Shiplake boys.'
Henry Cawthorne (Captain of Boats)
Tom Coates, an Oarsmen in Year 10, had the following report to add:
'The J15 A and B crews took part in Reading University Head, similarly using the event as preparation for the Schools Head.'
Tom continued: 'Throughout the race, a strong rhythm was kept. The J16 A boat achieved a creditable second place in the J16 category, only 3.6 seconds behind St Paul’s School. The J16 B crew finished 82nd overall, with the J15 A just one second behind, which was a real achievement. We would like to thank all of the teachers that took us.'
