Another busy weekend for GMSBC. On Friday 14th November four crews were racing at the Junior Fours Head. Two other crews raced on Saturday at Pangbourne.
On Friday the first ever Junior Fours Head Race took place over the championship course on the Tideway in London. This is the first “National” race of this academic year and it was an opportunity to assess how the squad was developing. The weather was not ideal, with steady rain making conditions cold, but at least the wind was minimal.
Both boys crews gave strong performances in high class fields with the Senior Boys’ Four coming 9th and the Year 11 Boys’ Quad being placed 5th.
The Girls’ Top Quad had been suffering from slight illness earlier in the week and was a very young crew with two Year 11s on board, so their result was pleasing in a solid performance among a large field.
Our Year 11 Girls’ Quad were on the water for longest starting 254th, which meant they had to endure the poor weather and chilly conditions far longer. In fact by the time they were back at the trailer the rest of the squad were almost back in Marlow. Despite this, the girls were full of excitement having felt good about their race helped by their cheerful camaraderie and good humour. This crew is a force in itself.
Mr Murison’s summary is, “A very positive first trip to London for this season.”
On Saturday, the Year 10 girls, who did not race on Friday, were invited to Pangbourne for a private match.
The Four was very much stronger than their opposition in the time trial so raced a boys’ crew in the side by side stage: it was a close race. The Double also beat the Pangbourne Four, but were just a few seconds slower than their main opposition.
Saturday proved to be another successful trip, and we were very grateful to Pangbourne for inviting us back.
