Record broken in London by Newark Rowing Club's Women’s Eights

A record three Women’s Eights travelled down to London last Saturday to kick off a week of action for Newark Rowing Club.

Competing in the Women’s Head of the River — the premier women’s rowing event in the UK — the Newark first 8+ finished the near five-mile course in 22-30-4, placing them 74th overall from 301 starters.

It was a record finish for the rowing club, by the crew of Andrea Woodhead, Kay Southwood, Jane Hindmarch, Lucy Owens, Jill Ashley, Elizabeth Cook, Cathay Gilespie, Helen Keating and Tony Helliwell.

The second 8+, made up of the junior squads finished 134th.

The third 8+, made up of a mothers and daughters crew finished 228th.

Women’s coach Paul Fenoulhet said: “I am very proud of the efforts of the women’s squads across the last six months.

“We have had a strong winter, which is shown in today’s results and it makes for a really exciting summer.”

The following day, a small contingent of racers travelled across to Lincoln Rowing Centre to take place in the 3.6km head race.

The club picked up three wins across the day.

First up was the Junior 16 Quadruple Scull of Charles Russell, Jack Norsworthy, Edward McDermott and Edward Lee, winning their event and finishing as the second fastest boat on the day.

Other category wins came from James Gleed in the Junior 15 Single and Graham Price and Nigel Price in the Open Coxless Pair.

Then, on Monday, a mixed Quadruple Scull made the trip down to London to take part in the Schools Head of the River.

The crew of Oliver Robertson, Lucas Bowes, Neve Woodman and Connie Ferrer, raced into second place in the mixed event, finishing behind the crew from Hinksey Sculling School.