By Mr McEwan (Assistant Head Rowing Coach)

On Sunday 3rd May, BGS Rowing Club attended Wallingford Regatta at Eton Dorney Lake, the venue of the 2012 Olympic regatta. This event is the first side-by-side race of the season for most and attracts a very strong field with nearly all of the top schools and clubs in attendance, the format is also very unforgiving with only the top 6 crews from across the heats of each event progressing to the final. This is a great benchmark for the rest of the season.

We had five crews entered and first up in the morning was our quad, a fully J16 crew racing up two age groups in WJ18 4x-. They rowed well but unfortunately were not able to progress to the final. Next was our WJ18 8+, lots of important lessons were learned from the race as they sprinted to secure 5th in their heat and 13th overall.

In the afternoon, our WJ18 4+ earned 5th in their heat and 14th overall. The WJ16 4x- had a cracking heat where they rowed through their competition in the middle of the race and held off their late charge to secure 2nd place. They had a much-improved start in the final but the more experienced crews proved too strong as they came 6th in the final. For our WJ18 4- a strong start in their heat had them leading the field early, and they held off a late charge from several crews to place 2nd and earn a spot in the final. They raced  well in the final coming 5th overall.

Overall, it was a good day out for the senior squad, and great preparation for the National Schools Regatta at the end of the month. 

We look forward to the whole club from Years 9-Upper Sixth racing at Bedford Amateur Regatta tomorrow Saturday 9th May.