Mr Wells (Director of Rowing)

On the first Sunday in December 2018, Bedford Modern School (BMS) hosted a match between BGS, Kingston Grammar School and BMS. The course was the traditional head course, which is used for the other Bedford Heads. At this special event, the girls competed in two races in the space of an afternoon, rather than taking a whole day away to participate in just one race

Sixty-four girls from the BGS squad were out in force for the first time this year. The unique nature of the event enabled our Year 9 crews to sample what the Head races are like for the first time, providing excellent practice before the Star Head in January. For the more experienced crews it was another opportunity to showcase their training.

At BGS, the Autumn Term provides as an opportunity for individuals to develop both physically and technically. In Year 10, there are three eights, of which two were racing as eights and one as a four. In Year 11, there are three coxless fours and two coxed fours in training. These boats have been very close in training. The training is starting to make a difference and the girls who are focused and working hard in each session are really improving, with some small gaps starting to appear. The Sixth form quad was also out in force.

After each race, we nominate a girl who has really impressed the coaching squad. This could be with their physical effort, their performance, their teamwork or their helpfulness.  An award is given to a Junior School girl (Years 9-10) and a Senior School girls (Years 11-Upper Sixth). The Senior Girl of the Match goes to Kharis Mgbezh-Morrison (Year 11) for her performance on Sunday, steering and controlling her four to take the win in the Year 11 coxless fours. Junior Girl of the Match goes to Bo Mahoney (Year 10) who stepped up from the middle of the boat to stroking her four down the course twice.