The first ever all Northwich Junior crew to pre-qualify for Henley Royal Regatta were rewarded this weekend by being presented with the club’s top award, the George Musker Trophy, named after their late boatman. The award recognises elite performance and is presented to individuals who have demonstrated their talent on the water. Newly crowned National Champions Zak Trigg, Harry Blake, Tom Asteriades and Finn Lawton were awarded the prize by outgoing captain, Phil Hewitt who also commended Lucy Burgess on an outstanding year in which she became a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.
The efforts of their coach, Jed Barlow were also recognised and he was awarded the Bill Cotton trophy for going above and beyond the call of duty in his role as a volunteer coach. Newly qualified coach Jack Thwaites was also recognised for how much he has given to the club in the past 12 months by being presented with the Grange Cup for Endeavour.
Other trophies awarded for the key volunteers in the club were awarded to Barrie Blake who received the Simon Crouchley Coaching trophy while the Club Chairman presented his trophy to outgoing Treasurer of ten years, Andy Malins. Cliff Salt, the Club President was in attendance to present the Salt of the Earth Trophy to outgoing junior coordinator and coach, Mike Palfreyman.
Athletes at the club were also rewarded with the Eddie Phillips trophy for Veteran of the year going to Clare Briegal, the Irvine Award for the most improved oarsperson going to George Lawton, the Eddie Phillips trophy for junior of the year went to Greg Murphy and Lawrence Williams after a fantastic season. The Dennis Mills coxing trophy was awarded to junior cox, Jack Hudson.
Graham Evans MP once again showed his commitment to the rowing club by coming to present the awards. During a weekend of celebrations for the club, Alex Bain ensured the success continued with an impressive double win at Tees Head and Tees Small Boats Head in his single scull.
Other club trophies presented during the year were the Tim Hooper Trophy for fastest boat of the day at the Autumn Head which went to the Grange School who also picked up the Sue Benyon Trophy for the fastest women's boat of the day at the same event. The senior Men’s eight from Agecroft RC took the Walter Benyon Trophy for the fastest crew at the Spring Head.
The junior section of the club voted Finn Lawton the ‘junior’s junior’ at the annual junior dinner .
Northwich Rowing club are now looking forward to taking over twenty crews to race at the Dee Autumn Head next weekend. A number of crews are also working towards the fours head on the Tideway in London at the end of November.
The junior section of the club voted Finn Lawton the ‘junior’s junior’ at the annual junior dinner .
Northwich Rowing club are now looking forward to taking over twenty crews to race at the Dee Autumn Head next weekend. A number of crews are also working towards the fours head on the Tideway in London at the end of November.
(courtesy of Rachel Hooper)
