Henley Women’s Regatta 2018

On the weekend of the 21st of June, our women’s squad ventured to Henley on Thames to take on the final big regatta this season.

Twelve of our athletes raced in two crews. As the categories were changed since last year, an aspirational academic eight and a development four were entered.

On the Friday, the women’s eight were the first to time trial. The beginner and senior composite was coxed by Rachel Pritchard. From stroke Anika Piezka, Fiona Norris, Megan Pearson, Maddy Brown, Megan Moloney, Naomi Coleman, Elisavet Palaiologou and Lana Dehoop were excited to compete. Despite rowing very well, they narrowly missed out on qualifying among the tough competition. Megan Moloney said: ” Unfortunately, we were lacking the final bit of power to push through and qualify against the other good crews. Nevertheless, we had never rowed this well together before as a crew and this is exciting for the future.”

The development four was coxed by Richard . With the support of all the squad on the bank, Jasmine Bone (s), Maddie Gardner, Sophie Hossack and Ellie Stevens (b) stormed their time trial in the second fastest time in their category (only .5 sec of the fastest time!). Therefore, advanced to side by side racing.

After a good night’s rest in Henley, the crew faced Leeds Rowing Club in the first round. They took the win by four lengths and came through to the quarter finals where they faced Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club. The girls fought hard and came away with a win by a third of a length meaning they would advance to the semi-finals on Sunday – a first in the club’s history!

Development 4+ at Henley Women’s Regatta waiting to boat.

Dev 4+ time trialling.

HWR 2018 WDev4+ Quarter finals