19 November 2011

Autumn Small Boats Head of the River Race. Sunday 13 November 2011

Northwich RC hosted their annual small boats Head race on the river Weaver between Vale Royal and Hunts Locks a distance of 2,600 m. The event was held in sunny autumnal conditions throughout the day with racing commencing at 9:45 with Division 1, finishing Division 3 with the fading light at 16:00 dealing with 100 boats in each division! This event has a reputation for being one of the best in the northwest attracting local clubs and many from other regions. This was reflected in the huge entry the club had to deal with, subsequently taking the difficult decision to reject many crews namely our own to make way for visiting clubs. The event was a huge success. It was a very long, busy day but enjoyed by everyone; athletes, volunteers and visitors alike. NRC was delighted to have 6 wins with many of the club crews racing extremely well against strong opposition.

There are two coveted trophies to race for in this event, namely the Tim Hooper Trophy for the Men’s fastest boat of the day and the Susan Benyon Trophy for the fastest Women’s boat of the day.
Joyce Hooper was delighted to present the Tim Hooper Trophy to composite crew Northwich RC & Royal Chester RC, who raced in a coxless quad covering the distance in a very fast 8:00, 30 sec ahead of their competition, Royal Worcester Grammar School.
Crew: Matt Jump (NRC), Oliver Cocklin (RCRC), Rupert Wiltshire (NRC) & Richard Hawkins (RCRC).


The Susan Benyon Trophy winners Trentham BC WJunior18 coxless quad covered the distance in a respectable 9:03.
Div 1
J18 single scull Hugo Norris
Womens Masters C single scull Clare Briegal, club Captain.
Div 2
Masters E coxed four winning decisively against their younger opposition from Liverpool Victoria RC, Steve Wignall, Simon Bannister, Tom Kilkenny, Nev Hand cox James Morrison
Div 3
Elite coxless quad mentioned earlier
J18 coxless quad Grange Sch RC & Northwich RC Callum McRoberts, Hugo Norris (NRC), Connor Gay & Luke Ozsanlav-Harris (who won a medal in all three divisions in different boats)
WMastersD coxed four Carolyn MacRitchie, Clare Briegal, Carole Riddell,Elaine Hemsted, cox Jonty Moore continuing their unbeaten success in the region.