Last weekend RRC Juniors went to Shrewsbury Regatta, held in the beautiful surroundings of Pengwern Boat club. This was the first event seven of the juniors had attended.
The first win of the day, receiving the loudest cheer, was for Sam Pothecary and Sam Boon. They raced down the course with excellent timing to win the Novice class.
Pippa England triumphed against other Ross opponents, Nottingham having withdrawn, and had a close race in the final against Christina Stevenson to win the Women's Junior 2 singles.
In the Junior 13 quad, with clear coxing from Olivia Baynham-Williams, George Probert, Nick Burden, Henry Jones and Dale Kernot showed fabulous bladework to win convincingly against the home side. George and Nick then went on to win the Junior 13 double in an all Ross final.
Jess Boon paired up with Megan Jephcote to beat strong opposition twice for a well deserved victory in the Women's Junior 12 double. Molly Phillips and Jess Boon fought back hard against Leicester to win their heat in the Women's Junior 13 double but lost in the final to Emma Richardson and Jess Crossman.
The two Jesses then jumped out of their doubles to take part in the final race of the day; the open Junior 12 quad. The umpire having observed the smart oarsmanship shown by Jess Boon, Megan Jephcote, Pippa England and new girl Emily Leach and coxed by Jess Crossman, refused to give the girls a head start for racing against boys on the way up to the starting line. The advantage was not needed. When the cox called the girls to "take it up" the push resulted in the girls winning easily.
With the high performing squad away training in Nottingham it was particularly pleasing to bring back seven golds. All the "first timers" enjoyed their new experience of a rowing regatta. An enormous thank you to all the parents for their help throughout the day and making it such a success.