Record entry for Newark Rowing Club as men’s squad take on Tideway challenge in Head of the River Race

A record entry of three eights represented Newark Rowing Club in the Head of the River Race.

The 6.8km race, from Mortlake to Putney, on the upper reaches of the tidal Thames in London, saw Newark compete against 300 other crews from all over Europe.

The club’s first eight — made up of the crew of Andy Hare, Oliver Robertson, Jesse Hole, Steve Keating, William Gilbert Sam Moloney, Graham Price and Oliver Saunders — was coxed by Sarah Durham.

The crew finished 130th on the day.

The second eight, made up of the veteran crew of Chris Bates, Nigel Wallis, Tom Woodman, Adam Barns, Ian Walter, Hari Koli, Ludwig Duran and Graham Lloyd, was coxed by Maisie Archer Dytch.

They completed the course in a time of 22-11-3, which was good enough for fourth place in Veteran D (50+) and 235th overall.

The third eight, made up of the junior squad, finished 211th overall.

They also managed a top-20 finish in the junior event, taking 16th.

Head coach Ashley Cowley said the junior crew excelled on its Tideway debut.

“For me, it was an excellent day out for the Newark Men’s Squads,” he said.

“Having a record three crews racing at the event will help create the foundation in the squads that we need to progress on and get into the top 100 next season.

“Just reflecting back on the last couple of weeks, it has been great to see Newark out competing at the big events against crews from all over Europe.

“I cannot wait to see what we can do in the Regatta Season this year. “

Newark Rowing Club can now enjoy a small break from training, before regrouping for the start of the summer season, which kicks off in Bedford on April 10.