Rowing: Schools Head of the River Race

On Wednesday, 20 March, still celebrating their success at the North of England Head a few days previously, the King’s School Rowing Club (KSRC) travelled down to London to take on schools from around the country on the famous championship course on the River Thames.

Warm weather and fast conditions were in the athletes’ favour and, spurred on by the support of friends, family and alumni, as well as Headmaster, George Hartley and Deputy Head, Tallan Gill, the KSRC crews took to water with confidence. 

In the Championship VIIIs, both the girls and boys championship crews each improved on last year’s performances by one full minute, both finishing in 13th place in their respective categories.

The J16 girls rowed superbly with a renewed sense of positivity and enthusiasm following their performance at North of England Head; the Championship J16 girls VIII finished in sixth place and the J16 girls second VIII finished third. 

Under the new leadership of Paul Turner, the Championship J16 boys’ VIII finished in eleventh place and the J16 boys second VIII finished sixth.

Assistant Director of Rowing, James Gray commented: “The boys have made a fantastic start under new lead coach Paul Turner. With time, these boys will find more speed and we look forward to seeing them develop further throughout the regatta season.” 

The J15 crews, unable to row on the river due to the fast conditions, accepted an invitation by Eton College to compete instead on the Eton Dorney Lake, famous as the venue for the 2012 London Olympics.

Three VIIIs from KSRC raced in two legs, 1,900m up and down the Olympic lake. Congratulations to the girls who finished third in their category and the boys who finished third and tenth in their respective categories.

Director of Rowing, David Blackham, thanked Eton for their hospitality: “The J15 crews have really enjoyed this unexpected opportunity to row on the Olympic Lake, and they did themselves and the club proud with their results.”

Mr Hartley was very proud of the athletes: “I have throughly enjoyed my day on the Thames supporting more than 90 athletes at one of the UK’s premier annual rowing events.

“I was told that we had more athletes competing than any other school and that is a source of great pride for me, and testament to our philosophy at King’s of encouraging students to get involved, and to challenge and enjoy themselves. 

“Everyone who raced today did themselves, the club and the school proud.”

KSRC athletes are now looking forward to their Easter training camps at Llangdegfedd reservoir where they will start to focus on next term’s competitions, including the National Schools Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.

Click on the image below for a gallery of pictures from a fabulous day. Many thanks to Andy Brown for sharing his photographs with us.