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MCBC arrived in force for the Avon County Head on Saturday, bringing a total of 95 rowers and there is some debate over whether this is a record for Monkton Rowing! The focus was very much on gaining valuable race experience, particularly for those with little or no previous experience.
For our J14s, this was their first ever race. The girls’ squad raced with great focus and determination and placed a very credible 6th/13 crews. Competition for places in the Boys’ J14 was fierce. The A Octuple raced really well to be placed 2nd out of 8 crews, only 0.4s behind Canford and it was soon noticed that Monkton were the only school to take 2 J14 Octuples, and there were numerous comments about the potential that they showed.
Among the J15 teams, both girls and boys crews raced with gusto and did themselves proud. So did our senior squads, the girls had a really strong row; they were in fact the fastest Women’s Four of the day, beating several Bath University crews.
Ben Tipney, Director of Rowing, commented on the event: “We are under no illusions and know that there is much work to be done, but the determination shown in racing on the day by all the teams was really encouraging. It was a real achievement with such a large squad, and fantastic to see so many Monkton rowers out there. Monkton has four athletes attending the second round of GB Junior trials. Sam Fawcett and Josh Stupples are competing for places in the boys’ team and Roisin Cogan in the girls'. Alex Leflaive-Manley is also attending the trials for Junior Under 16 athletes, which will also culminate in July with a match between Great Britain and France. Who knows, perhaps we are watching the fledgling careers of future Monkton Olympians.”