Rowing round-up

As regatta season gets underway, the end of Lent Term has been a busy time for athletes and coaches at The King’s School Chester Rowing Club (KSCRC).

Runcorn Spring Head

The boys’ J16 coxless quads raced over 6000m on the River Weaver with the two crews taking first and second place in their division. A brilliant haul of gold and silver medals!

Schools Head of the River

The Schools Head of the River is the largest school head race in the country with more than 2000 competitors racing over 6.8kms on the River Thames. We were very glad of the support of members of our alumni community who were in great voice along the course. 

The King’s School spirit was on display through the competition, especially for our J16 girls who experienced an equipment failure during their race. Showing resilience and determination, they finished the race in less than ideal racing conditions without a fin to keep them straight.

Notable results from the day were a fourth-place finish for the Senior Boys’ VIII and second place for the J16 Boys’ VIII. The Senior Girls also put on an impressive performance in a championship field. 

North of England Head of the River Race

The Senior and J15 squads were out in force for the North of England Head with 14 KSCRC crews taking to our very own River Dee. The quality of racing was outstanding and we were delighted to achieve a number of podium finishes. Congratulations to the J15 Boys’ Coxed Quad, J16 Boys’ Coxless Quad and J17 Girls’ VIII who all won their divisions.

Boat Naming

It was a huge pleasure and honour to welcome back James Gray to the boathouse for the official naming of the James Gray, a senior boys’ coxless quad. Mr Gray was the Assistant Director of Rowing for many years and also stepped up as Acting Director of Rowing for the last two terms of last year. He was a well-respected member of KSCRC who gave many years of service and we were pleased to recognise his commitment and dedication to the club in this way. 

GB Spring Trials

We are incredibly proud of two of our Senior girls, Lucie Thornton (L6LES) and Eleanor Williams (U6DUT) who were invited to trial for the GB U19 team in Nottingham recently. The girls were two of just 40 women to be invited to trial, placing at the very top of their age group in the country. 

Junior Inter Regional Regatta (JIRR)

Rowers from our J15 and J16 squads competed against other crews from the North West for the opportunity to represent the region at the JIRR in Nottingham on 25 April. Congratulations to the J16 Girls’ Coxless Four, the Open J15 and J16 Coxed Fours who have all qualified to represent the North West, and to Ralph Whittingham (4WAL) who will cox the J16 VIII and Emilia Potocki (4LES) who is the women’s junior reserve.

KSRCPA Spring Ball

Many thanks to our wonderful KSRCPA for another wonderful spring ball. The Parents’ Association is an amazing support to the club and we are very grateful for everything they do for the athletes and the wider club. The spring ball raised important funds for the club whilst giving parents and rowers alike an opportunity to enjoy good food, good company and some impressive dancing! Thanks to the speaker, GB rower Sarah MacKay, who was such an inspiration to our young athletes.