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Women's rowing at ACRC
Kate and Sal looking wistfully into the mist !-Feb 2007
Contacts..
For information about the womens squad contact Paula Nixon on womens@avoncountyrowingclub.org.uk
Training Times
Saturday by arrangement
Sunday by arrangement or by attending the "Just Turn Up" session at 10.30
During the summer there is also rowing by arrangement or by attending a Just Turn Up session on Wednesdays at 6.30
HEAD SEASON 2009
Wycliffe Small Boats Head
On Saturday 5th DEcember, Kate Hall and Hannah O'Driscoll headed to the Sharpness Canal to take part in the Wycliffe Small Boats head. The weather was set to be cold, but with little or no rain.
Entered were three boats containing the girls, a composite WIM3 4x, WIM1 2x and WIM3 2x. The composite boats were with two members of Wycliffe Collehe Boat Club, Emily Walker-Smith and Bey Grundy.
The first race was in the 4x- a solid paddle to the start, followed by an age waiting for narrow boats to clear the course meant that all four members of the crew were freezing when the start was eventually called.
Going out hard for the first minute, the crew settled to a solid 30 strokes per minute and made short work of the first half of the course. After a call for a power 10, they began to close on the Evesham crew. Although the result wasnt definite until the next division, the 4x had won gold in a time of 10.26!
NExt up was Kate and Hannah in the IM1 2x. The wind had got stronger and colder, making the wait for the start nastier than before. This was further emphasised by the scary looking bow of the St Edwards School 2x, who was wearing international kit! The Pengwern 2x also turned out to be very tidy scullers.
Following a customary breif build to the start (due to having to negotiate the bridge) Kate and Hannah went out hard for the first minute or so before settling into a strong rhythm. Despite pushing hard they were eventually overhauled by the strong St Edwards 2x, who went on to win convincingly.
For the last division, Kate paired up with Emily from Wycliffe to compete in WIM3 2x. Competition came in the form of two doubles from Gloucester and Christchurch.
After another solid and quick start, Kate and Emily settled to a strong pace and by halfway had made up lots of ground on the Christchurch 2x. A perfectly timed ratio call from Emily saw them gain more ground, but by this time Kate was beginning to feel the effects of two divisions, and did not have a much to give as she would have wanted. Although the pair finished very quickly, with a very strong last 20, it was not enough and the Christchurch double claimed the silver by 2 seconds. Kate and Emily, were both pleased with the result, as this was only the second time they had rowed together in a double!
All in all a good day had by all, and we managed to avoid the worst of the rain!
Bristol University Head
With some trepidation owing to the interesting state of the river, a women’s novice eight emerged and rowed at the Bristol Uni Head on 28th November. This was its first outing as a crew and, since the race was rowed upstream (following fears that some of the more enthusiastic novice crews might just continue over the weir given the speed of flow!) it didn’t even get the warm-up-on-the-way-to-the-start so vital to scratch crews. It consisted of Paula Nixon, Clair Ponting, Di Walker, Polly McGuigan, Chloe Alger, Claire Longhorn, Hannah Hall and Rosie Cullen, with Tony Daniel bravely coxing this very inexperienced crew. Hannah had never rowed until starting with the other Bath Spa students in October, and Rosie had a little Gig experience, which could come in useful given the conditions, while Chloe and Claire could still almost count their outings on their fingers, had they been warm enough to move. In the circumstances we were very pleased with our result half way down the field.
Bristol Ariel Head of the River Race
On Saturday 24th October, Kate travelled to Bristol Ariel to compete in their Head of the River Race. Held over a demanding 4.5km course in the Avon valley, it promised to be a challenge, especially as the course wasn't well known.
The day started drizzly, but cleared up as the race started. After a strong row, Kate posted a time of 22.13, making her winner of WS1X.
Many thanks to Wycliffe for loan of a boat and blades!
Monkton Bluefriars Small Boats Head
Held on home water, Monkton bluefriars is the fist race of the winter season. this year two Avon Women's boats entered, an IM3 4+ consisting of Clair Ponting, Di Walker, Polly McGuigan and Kate Hall, with Georgie Thomas coxing, and Kate Hall in IM2 1X.
Saturday held near perfect weather- sunny, dry and with little wind.
After a long wait marshalling, and only on the second outing, the 4+ had a fairly strong row, showing a lot of guts and determination. Parts of the course were very windy, which tested the crew in terms of technique and strength. The time of 17.02 perhaps did not do this effort justice, but nontheless provides a good starting block for the rest of the winter season.
Kate went out in the second division to do battle in her single, against big looking opposition from Bryanston School.
She had a very strong row, and an epic battle with the Bryanston sculler all the way down the course, all of which lead to a respectable time of 16.46. Again this is a good benchmark for the season, which is still really in its infancy, and indicates there is probably more speed to come!
Regatta Season 2009
Gloucester Regatta
Avon sent a women's Intermediate 3 4+ to compete in Gloucester Regatta, held on the Gloucester Sharpness Canal over 750m.
Ali Wyatt, Hannah O'Driscoll, Rosie Magee and Kate Hall were expertly coxed by Tom Allen of Wycliffe College Boat Club, drafted in due to illness.
Their first round was a semi final against Bristol Ariel, as Ariel were an unknown quantity, the four weren't sure what to expect. A quick, solid start saw them up from the outset, and leading by 2 lengths at the halfway point. Settling into a srong rhythm they powered away from the scrappy looking Bristol crew to win 'easily'.
The final was a tale of two halves.
Pitted against a well drilled and confident looking City of Bristol crew, Avon had their work cut out.
A less solid start, combined with the choppy conditions and strong tailwind meant the crew never settled, and were almost two lengths down by halfway. However neither crew reached the finish, as a narrowboat had decided to push through, despite crews racing on the course. the race had to be stopped and re run- good for Avon in that it was a second chance to beat City.
Sitting on the start it was clear the wind had picked up, however Avon made a much more solid start than before and were much more in contention. Settling into a more solid rhythm the crew kept pushing the Bristol girls, and made an big push when bow of the City four caught a mini crab. By this point however the race was won by City, who ended up winning by a length and a half.
Although the crew were somewhat disappointed with the result, they rowed a good race and will move into the winter buoyed by a good showing during the summer.
Stourport Regatta- 16th August
Kate and Hannah O'Driscoll travelled to Stourport regatta to race Intermediate 2 double sculls.
Using a boat borrowed from Bradford on Avon, and blades borrowed from Wycliffe, we paddled off to the start.
After about an hour sat on the start eyeing up the opposition, a big double from Ironbridge, we moved onto the start in anticipation for the race.
A slower start than normal, but a stong second 10 meant that Avon were about half a length up. A warning for steering came from the umpires about quarter of the way into the race, but was quickly corrected by the Avon 2X.
Ironbridge launched a final push for home with around 50m to go, however Kate and Hannah held them off to the finish. It was a close race, and neither crew knew who had won, with Avon fearing they had dead heated, and would need to re-row. However, on reaching the landing stage, Avon learned that they had won, by 3 feet!!
Thanks go to Bradford for loaning us a boat, and Wycliffe for loaning of blades!
Llandaff Regatta- 12th July
The Senior Women had a very successful day at Llandaff regatta. Three crews had ventured over the Severn in order to compete in Women's Novice Coxed Four, Kate was entered in IM3 and Frankie in Novice singles.
Frankie was first up in Novice singles- a good row in the first round saw her through to a semi final against Avon's Hannah O'Driscoll. The Semi was a close run race, with Frankie taking an early lead with a blistering start, being chased down by Hannah, and just being pipped to the post.
The four's first round was against Llandaff 'A'- its important to point out that the Avon girls had only had three outings before the regatta. The race plan was perfectly executed and the girls stormed to a three length win.
Kate's first round in IM3 singles turned out to be a semi final against Ross. A quick paddle to the start, followed by the mission of getting onto stake boats and the race was on!! Kate made a quick start, and went into an early lead. Preece of Ross kept pushing, but Kate held on to win, and was in the final of IM3!
Back into the four, after some rest ordered by Ali, and the girls' second round was a semi final against Llandaff. The crew had a well disciplined and tidy row up to the start, and Frankie did a fabulous job of getting onto the stake boat, not an easy feat in a strong stream! Again Avon made a strong and quick start, and followed their race plan, edging to a length lead by halfway. Holding onto this lead they entered the final comfortably- depsite being slightly worried by the size of the Oxford Academicals crew.
So after another short break, and with Kate arranging her final with Bristol Ariel, it was back into the boat for the final of women's novice fours.
Another solid paddle to the start and the race was on.
Again, the crew made a great start, and took a lead as hey wen under the bridge. From this position they lengthened and settled ino the race, winning Novice fours by a marjin- not bad for a crew that had only rowed together a few times before racing!!
On arriving back at the pontoon, beaming from ear to ear, the crew basked in the glory of their acheivement. All apart from Kate....who had to hop out of the boat, and straight back into her single, which was waiting on the end of the pontoon (thanks Austin!) to head up for the IM3 final.
Having hardly caught her breath, the final was on. After a quick start Kate held on to a small lead, even after an almightly push from the Ariel sculler, to win by half a length!
All in all a brilliant day for the Women's squad- onwards and upwards!
Evesham 2009
Womens Senior 3 Single- Kate
Womens Novice 4+- Tony with Ali, Clair, Polly and Di
Regatta Season 2008
Stourport Regatta- 9th and 10th August.
Gabbie and Kate travelled up to a very wet and muddy Stourport to compete in their Regatta. Their singles had been taken up on a very full Bradford on Avon trailer, alongside some of Minerva Bath’s boats.
Saturday dawned grey and very wet, Gabbie’s first race over the 1000m course was against Bradford on Avon. After a good start Gabbie went on to win by 2 ½ lengths, putting her through to the semi final and a Bewdley opponent. After a swift bite to eat and cup of tea, it was back into the boat for the Semi. Again Gabbie powered through to win easily taking her into the final against a very tidy looking sculler from Worcester….it would be an interesting race! The weather improved slightly for the final and Gabbie paddled down to the start, the race was a good one and Gabbie was pushed all the way to the line, but it was the sleek black bow of ‘Tigger’ that crossed first and Gabbie had won WS3 1X!!
So after all the excitement of the day, and after tents had been erected to sleep in, Gabbie and I decided to check out Stouport nightlife. After a hearty meal in the pub, Kate and Gabbie started the long trek back to the camping field. We had left across the cricket club wearing flip flops, however on the way back there was no access this way…..the only thing to do was to brave the muddy lane….in bare feet…..After much giggling and sliding around we made it back to the tent in one piece!! It was then decided that we both needed a drink and a dance and so, donning wellies this time, we went back to the clubhouse for some dancing and general merriment!!
Sunday dawned a little sunnier than Saturday had been, which was a welcome thing for everyone at the regatta! Kate and Gabbie were both racing today, Kate in S4 singles and Gabbie S3.
Kate’s semi final was the first race of the day, against a scarily big looking opponent from Evesham. After a good solid start she was pushed all the way but managed to win by ½ length, putting her into the final. Gabbie was up next in the semi of S3 singles against an Evesham opponent, after a good start she powered her way to a 1 ½ length victory, so that was two finals already! Kate’s final was moved back a few hours due to doubling up by her opponent, allowing her time to get food and generally soak up the great atmosphere! Gabbie’s final in S3 1X was against the same opponent as her final yesterday, and it was clear Gabbie had the measure of her opponent, pushing away to a length victory, her 2nd of the weekend!!
After her final, Gabbie was approached by Wycliffe and asked if she was racing S2, something that the winner of S3 on previous day normally does. Not one to miss a challenge, Gabbie accepted and a straight final between her and Payne from Wycliffe was on. The feeling before the final was tense, Bradford had enlightened us that Gabbie’s opponent had been to world masters, and was known as ‘the beast’, however although it was a tight race, and Gabbie was pushed all the way, she held her nerve to win by ½ a length, winner of S2 singles!
Kate’s final took place in the sunshine of the afternoon, and after another good start she cruised her way to a 5 length win at S4, but also one that moved her up to S3! So after all that racing a tired, but very satisfied two some headed home, 3 pots in 2 days for Gabbie and 1 pot and a move in status for Kate.
Women's Henley Regatta
Avon County was represented at Womens Henley by Sallyanne Lewis and Stephanie Mathews(Bristol Uni) in a composite double in the Rosie Mayglothing cup. Well we got onto the stake boats at 8.18am on Saturday morning, the weather was drizzling and only black clouds on the horizon. We didn’t let that put us off, as Steph and I sat at the start trying to relax, making stupid jokes to take our mind off small things like steering, hitting booms, hitting islands and hitting the other crew !, but as it was none of that mattered as we got a great start and by half way had the race in the bag, eventually winning with a 2&1/2 length lead over Tyne United. The next round was at 11.30am and although the rain had cleared up the horizon was dominated by a very formidable Durham University double. True to form, Durham put in an excellent race to beat us easily, but we had a good row especially in the last 1000m and we walked away very happy with our efforts. Durham went on to win overall, so consolation prize for us..
Reading Regatta
A great weekend at Reading Regatta, no wins but a lot of good racing and competition. Avon County Womens squad was represented by an assortment of composite crews. Gabbie Rodriguez raced S2 singles on Saturday getting through to the semi final, but narrowly missing out, then J18 on the Sunday once again making it to the semi to be knocked out by winner. Sal and Steph raced a composite S2X but where knocked out in the second round, but it was a solid race and we did get to see most of the river including the oppositions lane!
Sunday saw the second ever outing for the Avon/Bristol Uni composite S2-Quad. Carrie Thomas at stroke (Bristol) Sal, Steph and some excellent steering from Gabbie R. It was all looking very good in the semi-final, about a length up on the Weybridge ladies, Sal pulled a massive crab and managed to drop both blades ahhhhhh, giving Weybridge the opportunity to take the lead. Despite a valiant fight, Weybridge took the race but by only one length. All crew members looking forward to more racing !!
31st May 2008 Metropolitan Regatta
Sallyanne and Stephanie Mathews (Bristol Univ) entered a S2X at Met Reg only to be scuppered by Sal falling ill with flu at the last minute, raced anyway and came almost last. Oh well next year.
Head Race Diary - 2007 & 2008
Wycliffe Small Boats Head
Once again Wycliffe Head lived up to its reputation, by being the wetest, greyest, windyest, coldest race this side of the North Pole. After a long wait at the start (although it might have only been five minutes, as my brain had frozen by then) Avon set off at a brisk pace ducking under the bridge at the start (Jess somwhat open mouthed as this was her first time at Wycliffe and wasn't familiar with the convention of lying down to get under a 2ft high bridge 5 strokes from the start!) Avon county women fielded a quad with Sal, Kate, Frankie and Jess everyone put in a tremendous effort in the horrible conditions and was just glad to get back the boat trailer in one piece. No more racing from the womens squad for the rest of the day as we all trooped home to warm baths or is that warm Bath.
Monkton Combe School Race
The first head race of the winter season turned out to be a sunny and calm day.
Regatta Diary - 2007
Bristol Avon Regatta
A fine sunny day with lots of excting racing, Gabbie rodriguez put in a very convincing race to win S3 singles (easily). And the last and moxt exciting race of the day was the womens novice eights, Avon county won by 1ft over Bristol Ariel. The line up was Sophie Lemoine (Stroke) Rachel, Katy, Gabbie Rodriguez, Kate Hall, Hannah G, Amy Vickery, Gemma (bow) and Sallyanne Lewis (cox). Well done to everyone..
Pictures to follow shortly........
Ironbridge 2007 - Cancelled !!! Oh well may be Bristol/Avon will be OK
LLandaff 2007
A successful weekend at LLandaff for the Women’s Squad.
Kate and Sal trying to make tht emost of the fast stream on the start
Kate and Sal celebrating a Novice Win
Sunday started off very wet and although the rain did hold off in the afternoon it was very cloudy and dull.
All in all a great weekend, with lots of great support and cheering.
Iron Bridge 2007 - Cancelled
Welsh Open 2007 - Cancelled
Head Season Races - 2007
Monkton Farleigh
Bristol Uni Head
Wycliffe Small Boats Head
Wycliffe Big Head – 3rd Feb
Avon County Head – 3rd March - CANCELLED.
City of Bristol – 11th March
Gloucester Head – 18th March
Winter
We generally meet on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the boat club, but its best to contact the womens co-ordinator for details. As well as water training there is club circuit training on Wednesday nights at Wellsway School, and an ergo training programme.
Sal and Kate planning winning strategy at Wycliffe Small Head ! - Winter 06
We try to enter most of the local “Head Races” during the winter as well as getting down to London to enter the main Head races when we have senior crews.
Summer
Kate putting up a good fight at Stourport - Summer (although quite chilly) 06
We like to get out of the gym in the summer, and spend more time on the water. We normally run an additional womens squad night during the week, and as the club is normally open every day you can train every night if you want. We enter Regattas during the summer.
Sal warming up at Llandaff - Summer 05
Womens novices - Avon County and Bristol Reggetta.
Womens Henley Regatta14th/15th June 2008 Reading Regatta Avon County Womens Squad put out a quad in the form of Gabbie, Sal, Kate and Frankie and started the season well by winning the Senior 4 division. Lots of cakes and tea were consumed afterwards. Saturday despite starting dull and 2hrs late and shortening the course to 500m turned out to be a fun and hot day (lots of suncream required). Only two Womens crew were entered, Annette in Novice sculls and Sal & Kate in Nov and S4 doubles. Annette put up a good fight in a very strong (and quite scary stream) but lost out in her first round. Kate and Sal won the Novice category beating Bristol Ariel convincingly by about 3 lengths, and got into the final of S4 but the was scratched due to illness (Opposition). Annette had a better first round in the singles race but didn’t get through to the semi final, Kate and Sal got to the final of the S4 but lost out to Monmouth girls school (mostly due to Sals crap steering !). The S3 was a straight final which resulted in a dead heat (Sal and Kates 7th race of the weekend, the opposition, Llandaff, second race) unfortunately lost out by half a length in the re-race. They seem to have the hang of sitting in a row, now it time to do it in a boat!