The J16 crews were unlucky to miss out on a place in the final coming home fourth in the semi in horrendous conditions. They rowed bravely and never gave up despite having waves crashing over their heads. They did themselves and the club proud. Well done indeed.
The boys and girls first fours had a tough task ahead of them with only 12 going through from 24 in the boys and 18 for the girls. The first round was a time trial over 1750meters with the top 12 fastest crews progressing. Again in tough rowing conditions both crews excelled and in a strange twist both crews captured the third fastest time qualifying them both for the semis.
The semi final draws were tough for both crews with only 3 to qualify out of each semi but confidence was high and in the more favourable lanes the boys four came home in second place behind St Peters School, having had a fantastic scrap with St Edwards school. The girls similarly came home in second spot behind St Pauls School having rowed away from Aberdeen RC. Both crews were ecstatic to have progressed to the Finals. The first since 2000 for the girls and 2002 for the boys.
The finals were rowed in near perfect conditions with the wind dropping off. The girls had a slowish start and got left in fourth place coming into the first 500m. LEH and St. Pauls rowed away from everyone else and it was down to the last four crews to scrap for the bronze. By 1000m Canford and Monkton were locked in a battle for the bronze with only 1/3 length separating both crews. The last 500m saw the Canford crew just edge out a stronger lead and crossed the line 1/2 length from the Monkton boat. A fantastic race and a fantastic result.
The boys final was tense and the boys four had a sluggish start in comparison to the others but found themselves in a tight tussle for 3rd by 250m. By the 500 meter mark the top three crews had taken the race by the scruff of the neck and made a big push to break clear of the pack. Unfortunately the boys four were not in the move and once the top three broke clear it was soul-sapping for the boys. At 1000m the Monkton crew had slipped to fifth, racing for the minor places with Cheltenham College and St Edwards School. In the last 250m the four just ran out of steam and finished in sixth position. Yet again a brilliant result and one that the boys can be proud of.
Congratulations to all the crews who raced so well and thanks to all who came to watch and support.