A return to the Bristol-Avon Regatta saw another year of successful races for the Gloucestershire Crews, with all crews racing in straight finals.
The first race of the day was the Women’s Senior Double formed of Zoe Williamson at stroke & Connie Lawson at bow. The crew of strong rowers were up against a boat from the host club, Avon. The women in blue took an early lead which they maintained throughout the 900m course, crossing the finish line ahead of their opposition by two clear boat lengths. The girls put in the graft and came away with another point on their race license and a pot for the trophies case.
The afternoon division saw the senior women’s quad take to the water against another crew from Avon County. The boat formed of Alicia Gulliver at stroke, Amy Dillon at three, Zoe Williamson at two & Club Captain, Oonagh McNair at bow. Off the start Avon managed to get ahead by a length, but that wasn’t going to stop the Blue Crew, putting in a push the girls managed to gain back the distance and edge into the lead. Pushing ahead the girls were in sight of the finish line, when the Avon crew caught a crab. With this added advantage, the Gloucestershire Ladies cross the finish line and win the cup clear by a couple of lengths.
The final race of the day was the men’s coxless four. Whilst the men usually race as a quad – they had no opposition in that classification, they took the opportunity to try a bit of sweep rowing. The crew was made up of Luke James-Crook at stroke, Al Burnett at three, Harry Thurkettle at three and Men’s Captain Mike border at bow. Against a strong crew from Minerva Bath and some “interesting” steering by Glos , the lads were unable to come away with the win, but gained some valuable experience from the race.
We would like to thank Avon County Rowing Club for a great regatta, and allowing us to use a boat for the men’s crew. Thank you also to Gloucester RC for use of boats and trailer.
University of Gloucestershire Rowing 