Chronicle Spring 2022

52 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Rowing by Adam Moffatt, Head of Rowing

With the change in games options providing an opportunity for all year groups to try rowing, the Autumn Term saw more action than normal – and it was fantastic to see so many new pupils taking to the water. The improvements made by everyone were significant. By the end of the Autumn Term Shells were confidently sculling in a range of boat types, J15s had learnt the skills of moving an 8+, and our J16s had the opportunity to train with the seniors. For those that are new to the sport it can take a few months to gain enough watermanship before competing, however running internal races provides a glimpse into the racing world and allows skills to be developed in a safe and controlled environment. All members of the Boat Club completed a SESBC Time Trial at some point during the Autumn Term and many are now entering their first formal competitions. Our seniors were fortunate to complete several private fixtures with Radley, Shiplake and Reading Blue Coat. This was part of a new venture stemming from the restriction in races due to Covid and was a great success. All schools involved hosted at least one fixture with a focus on different boat types and the racing was excellent. If the results are anything to go by then both the

Rowers at Henley

boys’ and girls’ squads are in for some close racing this season! One of the focuses for the senior rowers was the Fours Head in London which is an annual race from Chiswick to Putney with 410 crews from all over the country racing, including Olympians, Oxford and Cambridge, Leander Club and many rowing schools. All crews performed to a high standard with each boat finishing in the top half of their event, and the standout performance from the boys’ A 4X, finishing 20th overall and being the 9th fastest 4X on the day. Some of our longest-serving coaches could not remember the last time we entered so to be

back in such a historic event with five crews (three boys’ boats and two girls’ boats) was fantastic for SESBC. The Autumn Term is the time to take the first step on the ladder for GB U19 representation and this year we had ten students involved: seven boys and three girls. All of them passed the first test which was completed on the rowing machine and were invited to the 5k water trial which is held in Boston. This first trial is used to identify athletes for a GB training camp in December to which a select few are invited. All SESBC students performed to a high standard and will be attending the next trial but standout

Evie Gowen, Elsa Marino, Louisa Molloy, Meara James, Isabella Makepeace, Roxy Welford, Isabel Llabres-Diaz, Hermione Brewster and cox Adelaide Del Mar.