QEHS Rowing club rowers attended the prestigious Schools Head competition on Tuesday 25th March. This is the very first time that QEHS Rowing club has ever entered a crew for this event. This is held on the River Thames in London and is raced over the Oxford and Cambridge boat race course in the reverse direction. It attracts top club and school crews from across the country, with over 2000 competitors racing across a range of categories.
The year 11 boys crew were very excited in anticipation for this race, with this being the key race they had prepared for over the long winter. Arriving at Barn Elms boat club, where we boated from, the day before race day the Thames was very calm. However, coach Tom did warn them the current was fast and conditions could be bumpy on race day.
The crew competed in the J16 championship 8+ category, seeing QEHS Rowing club crew compete against the premier J16 crews from across the country. They finished 13th in their category and 86th overall out of over 300 crews.
The QEHS J16 crew performed brilliantly on the day. The race plan was well executed, and both rowers and coach were very satisfied that they had performed to their potential on a river that none of them had ever rowed on before. The experience of the event on the Thames will be one of the highlights of the year.
Post race the QEHS Rowing crew even had some sightseeing time in central London before catching the train back up North.
Tom M, Dan J, Mr Gaines were immensely proud of the rowers’ conduct at the event and it was a pleasure to take the crew away. Mr Gaines would like to thank all the QEHS coaches for their effort and expert coaching that enabled these boys to excel.
A special mention must be given to parent helper Ryan M, who towed the trailer and boat on the long journey to London and back. QEHS Rowing Club relies on our parent volunteers, and without their commitment, we would not be able to travel and compete at these prestigious events. It was also great to have a handful of parents who were able to be at the event on the day to cheer on the crew. The coaches, school and athletes very much appreciate the support and time of all our parental volunteers.
Respect. Engage. Aspire.
