Boat Club gain valuable experience at inaugural fixture against Eton College

On Saturday the Boat Club took eleven crews to race in a match against Eton College at Dorney Lake.

The trip provided the first opportunity for the J15s and J16s to see Dorney Lake and compete in their first side by side sprint race fixture.

The age groups were spread out between three coaches and there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation as we made the journey south. The weather was favourable for racing on the lake and provided a great chance for the crews to familiarize themselves before the National Schools Regatta scheduled for the end of the month.

Six of the crews had like for like competition with the Eton boats and the remaining five crews were paired up to race against similar speed boats. Each crew raced twice with the first race covering the full 2000m course for the Seniors and J16’s while the J15’s raced over 1000m. The second race saw all the crews covering the shorter 1000m distance.

Eton won the 1st and 2nd VIII’s races with strong performances. The J16A VIII won their match after getting off to a fast start in their two races. There were close races for the J16B’s and the J15 matched boats which provided valuable race experience. Eton won the W.E.K Anderson Bowl in this inaugural fixture. The trophy is named after Eric Anderson who was the former Headmaster of both schools (Shrewsbury 1975 -1980 and at Eton 1980 -1994).

The day proved extremely useful for all the crews including the girl’s boats who had some great races. The 1st Quad took on four J15 boys matched eights in an excitingly close race over 1000m. The two J15 girls octuples had an entertaining race with the Eton J15 C crew.