On Saturday 9 May the Boat Club challenged St Edwards School to a match against the J14’s, J15’s and J16’s crews. The match was based on a tried-and-tested best of three formula, and took place on Shiplake’s home water.
For over half of the boys racing, it was their very first experience of racing another crew side by side. The sun was out to mark the occasion, and the boys made the most of their time on the water to practise together as a team, gaining vital racing experience as the regatta season picks up steam.
The Shiplake crews performed outstandingly, winning over half of the races that took place on the day. Director of Rowing Mr David Currie was particularly proud of the students that participated, noting that they ‘approached the challenge with the utmost commitment and ardour, pulling together as a team and really pushing themselves on the day to perform to the best of their abilities.’
The Year 11 J16’s took to the water raring to go, and, after a tense race, just lost out to St Edward’s. The Year 10 J15 A’s experienced the same defeat at the hands of the St Edwards’ crew; however, the J15 B crew and J15 C VIII stole the show, winning their races. The Year 9 J14 A VIII lost out to the St Edward’s crew, but the Year 9 J14 B, J14 C VIII and the J14 D VIII crews all won their races, putting in a strong performance and beating the St Edward’s team.
Mr Currie was incredibly pleased with the result, and said of the event that he ‘would like to thank all the Shiplake crews for the way they conducted themselves in racing; they showed great sportsmanship. Also, my thanks to St Edwards School, for accepting our invitation and fielding some very competitive crews! We look forward to seeing them again next year. I am confident that the experience from this racing will pay dividends when we race in the National Schools competition in two weeks time.’
