Rowing: Shrewsbury Regatta

On Saturday, 11 May, 21 crews from the King’s School Rowing Club (KSRC) travelled to Shrewsbury to race the short course on the River Severn in this year’s Shrewsbury Regatta.

In the morning division, five coxed quads, two fours, two eights and several small boats from KSRC raced in glorious conditions against regional competition including our hosts, Royal Shrewsbury School Boat Club (RSSBC).

Over the course of the day, the team secured three category wins, including the women’s J15 eight who beat RSSBC and two J14 boys coxed quads. In addition, the J16 and J15 boys VIIIs came a close second, as did the J18 boys coxed four.   

For our J14 crews this was only their second experience of regatta racing. The girls’ J14 coxed quad made it through to the semi-final, narrowly losing to King’s School Worcester (KSW).

The J18 boys’ coxed four was victorious against RSSBC, making it through to the semi-final but losing by a box ball to a strong crew from KSW.   

KSRC entered two J15 boys’ eights in a match-up against RSSBC. The B crew were victorious in their race but the A crew fell short by just over one length. Both crews fought incredibly hard and learned lots of lessons which they will take forward when they race at National Schools Regatta at the end of May.  

In the afternoon division, six coxed quads and three eights represented KSRC.

Two J16 boys’ eights raced in another match-up against RSSBC. Unfortunately for the A crew, the race did not go to plan, crossing the line with only 7 boys rowing and losing by ¾ of a length.

With no option of a re-row, Mr Blackham commented: “It was a disappointing that the fixture with RSSBC did not create the opportunity for competitive racing that was intended. The boys should be fired up for National School Regatta and aim to produce a performance they can be proud of.” 

Next up were the J14 boys racing in the coxed quads with all five crews making it through the first round. 

At the end of the day, we were celebrating a win for the crew in the band 2 final who beat local opposition Northwich Rowing Club, and two crews racing in an all-King’s band 1 final. The atmosphere amongst the supporters was incredible, and much appreciated by the athletes and coaching team alike.

Director of Rowing, David Blackham, summarised a successful weekend of racing: “In total, we had 134 athletes racing at Shrewsbury and Nottingham City this weekend.

“It was an action-packed day with both locations providing great racing preparation and an important stepping stone towards the National Schools Regatta later this month.

“Huge thanks, as always, go to the coaching team who continue to work tirelessly to challenge and support our athlete scholars, and to the KSRCPA for their endless support.”