The National Schools’ Regatta is the UK’s top junior rowing event which took place at Dorney Lake over the hot Bank Holiday weekend. With over 5000 athletes competing, our Year 9–10 raced 1500m and Year 11–13 racing 2000m, with several course records broken.
Friday
Racing opened with the WJ14 4x+, who placed 43rd in a field of nearly 60. Our WJ14 Octo’s then raced in their respective time trials:
- 1st Octo: 11th in the time trial, then won the B Final, holding onto a strong lead all the way to win; this placed them 7th nationally.
- 2nd Octo: 2nd in the time trial, then won the A Final, in the B boat category; a photo finish to determine SHS the winners by 0.04 seconds against LEH.
- 3rd Octo: 6th in the time trial, finishing 4th in the 2nd boat A Final.
The J15 squad also delivered excellent results:
- 1st Eight: After a tight time trial, with just one second between the top three boats, the squad won the A Final taking over Headington School after the 500m mark.
- 2nd Eight: Placed 2nd in the time trial, the 2nd Eight came away with a brilliant Silver in the A Final.
- 3rd Eight: 4th in the time trial, they came away 5th in the 2nd boat category.
Saturday & Sunday
Racing continued in 28–30°C heat and the J16 rowers were out in force competing in the Coxed Four and Eight:
- Coxed Four: 9th in the time trial, with an excellent 4th in the B Final.
- Eight: 4th in the time trial, with an exciting race providing a strong 5th in the A Final.
In the senior events, the 1st Eight had to withdraw due to injury, but the Senior 2nd Eight placed 3rd in their time trial and won bronze in the A Final for 2nd boats finishing 13 seconds ahead of St Paul’s Girls’ School.
Sofia M (single scull) placed 18th in the time trial, progressed through repechage and semis to finish 3rd in the C Final.
Across the weekend, SHSBC athletes earned two national titles and 36 medals, placing the club 9th overall and 2nd nationally for girls’ school rowing.
Huge thanks to all the parents, pupils, and coaches for their support and commitment throughout the regatta.
