By Miss Harris (Head Rowing Coach)

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, BGS Rowing attended the Wallingford Regatta, held at 2012 Olympic venue Dorney Lake, signalling the start of regatta season.

As a national-level event, Wallingford draws only the top junior and senior crews in the country, providing a highly competitive day of racing and allowing an opportunity to get an early benchmark ahead of National Schools Regatta and Henley Women's Regatta.

Our WJ16 4+ crew excelled in the heats, placing first. A small mistake in the final unfortunately cost them a medal, but the performance left us excited to see what they can achieve in the coming weeks.

The WJ18 4- crew came out fast and aggressive, leading through the first 500m. They placed 12th across the heats indicating they should be in for some competitive racing at National Schools.

Our WJ18 4+ executed an excellent race profile, showing clear planning and commitment. However, the crew was ultimately out-powered by crews around them and finished 14th across the heats.

All crews gained valuable side-by-side experience as they continue to develop ahead of key upcoming races. Well done in particular to our coxes and steerers - Molly Folbigg, Elizabeth Julyan, and Bella Moretto - who had to contend with a direct cross wind.

We now look forward to one of our favourite days of the year this weekend where all rowers in the whole Boat Club will compete on home water at Bedford Regatta on Saturday 10th May. The first BGS race is at 9am, there will be a steady flow of races throughout the day, and depending on progression our final race is due at 7.15pm. We look forward to welcoming lots of the BGS community to the riverbank.