QEHS Rowing Club travelled to the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham, last weekend to take part in the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta. This event involves crews being selected to represent their region to then race crews from all over the UK. This year, QEHS had 19 rowers selected to race.
Each of the three QEHS crews that were selected competed in a time trial, which then determined which final they were placed in. Every event had up to 14 crews competing.
QEHS impressively had all three crews qualify for the A final (top 6 crews), a feat not achieved for many years. Special mention must go to the Y9 girls (Bella, Isla, Ariel and Madeline, coxed by Imogen) who in their first season of racing qualified with the third fastest time. Both the year 10 boys coxed 4 and the year 11 boys 8 raced brilliantly in the time trial, recording the 5th fastest time.
The finals are held later in the afternoon. The Y11 boys (Dennis, Jacob, Alexis, George, James, Mack, Ben, Alex and cox, Eadward) were first to race. They executed their race plan effectively to finish an excellent 5th, against some of the top rowing schools in the country. The Y10 boys (Morty, James, John, Barnaby and cox, Adam) finish 6th against some tough competition in their final. The final QEHS crew to race was the Y9 girls. Despite having never competed in a regatta before, they pushed hard for the full course, finishing a very impressive 5th.
Coaches Pam, Tom and Fin proudly informed Mr Gaines that this was one of the best performances nationally from QEHS crews in many years. These results, along with many others from great crews representing Team North, helped the Northern Region finish 5th overall at JIRR, the best result in over 6 years. Well done to all coaches, athletes and parents who have supported the club and helped these pupils perform brilliantly on a national stage. Our next national competition will be the National Schools Regatta in May. We look forward to further success!
Respect. Engage. Aspire.
