Head of the Mersey (Warrington) 2014

When most of the south of England was either suffering flooding or enduring another winter storm, LRGSBC boys elected to go for a short outing on Saturday before de-rigging their boats in a gusty and ominous wind and strapped them securely onto the trailer. The wind persisted for most of the night but dropped at 5am. There was plenty anxious of checks the Highways Agency website to monitor wind speed along the M6. We were on the road by 06:15. A large squad of J14, J16 and J18 boys (28 boys) gathered at Warrington Rowing Club for the Head of the Mersey. For the J14 boys and their parents, it was their first experience of a British Rowing Association Club Head race and an opportunity to see what racing is all about.

In Division 1, the J16 boys (D.Kingcox (stroke), J.Mapp, A.Fyfe, O.Tiddswell (steers) had an impressive race, chasing down their opposition from Trafford RC and Warrington RC.

J16 4x-

They won impressively.

The J14 double scull of L.MacPherson (str) and S.Gelder also looked the part and started off well, racing their opposition from Hollingworth Lake RC, Warrington RC, Merchant Taylor's School BC and North Staffordshire RC.

J14 2x

Unfortunately, at the very point where supporters had gathered to shout encouragement, they caught a crab and both went for a dip. It was such a shame that their race came to an abrupt end but no harm done and they were taken back for a hot shower.

In Division 3, LRGBC fielded two J14 coxed quads, two J16 double sculls and a Novice four. It was all hands on for the coaches and boys to get boats rigged and everyone afloat.

Div 3 start

The Novice Four of  M.Brooke-Naylor (str), M.Ashall, V.Kammath, R.Munavvar and A.Titterington (cox) outclassed their opposition from Chester University, Grosvenor RC, and Mersey RC to win a medal.

Nov 4+

The J14 coxed quad of T.Kerr (str), C.Burrow, C.Whittaker, B.Heseltine and C.Hopkinson (cox) looked very impressive, beating North Staffordshire RC A and B crews, Trafford RC, LRGSBC B and coming second to Warrington RC.

J14 As look impressive

J14 4+ A crew

LRGSBC B of C.Nicholls (str), J.Morphet, J.Murfitt, W.Hornby Phillips, and T.Bolton (cox) got caught in the bushes at the start which unsettled them. They have had a difficult week, falling in during a training piece during their last Games session.

J14 4x+ B crew

The J16 double sculls of C.Stuart-Burgess & J.Unwin and D.Hammond & T.Nixon battled with Runcorn RC who proved too strong.

J16 2x

In Division 4, LRGSBC entered a J18 4+ but no one else did. So, the crew had to row for a time only. The crew was the same as the Novice 4+ winners. Unlucky for Max Edgecombe, who chose this event instead of Rayhan Munavvar who had won in the Novice 4+. Finally, R.Bell & A.Patel tried to take on some experienced scullers from Liverpool Victoria RC and Pengwern BC in J17 double sculls.

Medals !

It was such moral boost to hear that two crews had won medals. The boys deserved them as they have worked hard and are committed to training in the gym and on the water. Well done!

J16 4x- Winners

It was great for the senior boys to get a medal. Vipin tells me that he hasn't won a medal since rhe 3rd Yr. Strength, resilience and fortitude are all good characteristics of a doctor, Vipin!

Novice 4+ Winners

It was a long day, but well worth all the effort from boys, parents and staff. Many thanks to all for making it happen and for the 'buzz' that the Club is enjoying from the large number of boys who want to race with us.

Tired but very happy coaches (RGT, Ciro and DY)