Newark Rowing Club's annual Head Race a huge success
A record-breaking turnout made for one of the most successful days in Newark Rowing Club’s history, said member Chris Taylor.
The club’s highly-anticipated Head Race saw 132 finishers across the two divisions — 31 in Division One (5k) and 101 in Division Two (3k).
Balderton’s Ashley Cowley was among the winners.
He recorded the fastest time in the men’s sculling race, one of five winners for the club.
Newark’s eights teams, both male and female, put in strong category performances, finishing first and third respectively, with the female rowers just five seconds behind the winners.
“It was the first race for either of the Newark eights, they have only been rowing together for a few weeks, and are targeting head races towards the end of season (April) in London.
“This is the start of the season for them.
“Some of the ladies have only been rowing for a matter of months, so are jumping in at the deep end.”
The junior squad also achieved major success for Newark, taking wins in the women’s junior 17 and 14, as well as an impressive second place finish in the junior 16.
“The juniors are targeting the summer regatta season and Henley as their key competitions in the smaller boats,” said Taylor. “Next stop for them is the Boston Head Race in January.”
The annual race, which was organised by Newark’s Jane Hindmarch, was dubbed a success by Taylor.
He said: “It was great. The weather was really good and the water was down.
“Everyone was buzzing.”
Taylor finished third in the men’s masters single, and said he was pleased with his finished.
“Up until two weeks ago I wasn’t sure if I would have been even able to race because of my illness, so to just start on the day was great in way.”
