Mr Wells (Director of Rowing)

Last Friday, The Schools' Head of the River was a very challenging event for all involved due to the remnants of Storm Gareth and before Storm Helen took over.

In the days leading up to the event there was much doubt whether it would go ahead. Luckily, the race organisers decided to give the event the green light. For BGS this meant that rather than racing three eights and two fours only one eight was eventually permitted to race.

With the support of the whole squad behind them, the Year 11 eight coxed by Bella Trobe (Lower Sixth) took to the water. Luckily, the weather forecast was not as bad as expected and the strong wind combined with the stream made for fast conditions.

The eight started very close to Emmanuel School with Putney High School right behind. This put the girls straight into a race in the first part of the 7000m course. Despite the tight tussle, the BGS boat came out on top, they kept the rate high, thanks to a strong and consistent stroke pair. Through the middle of the race, the eight stayed strong thanks to the power generated from the middle of the boat.

Bella Trobe used all her experience from studying the course to steer a fantastic racing line on a very difficult river.

Towards the end of the race, a quick look around from Jaya Chambers (Year 11) at bow showed that they were close to the finish. From the bank the coaches heard the BGS war cry as they buried  themselves in the closing stages.

A tremendous effort by the whole crew finishing in 7th place in the country. This shows great potential for the year and indicates that they whole squad is on a very good trajectory.

WJ16 8+ Crew:

Jaya Chambers, Jenny Ecart, Katherine Whitehead, Ava Orman-Wheeler, Kharis Mgbezeh-Morrison, Karis Nisbett-Hadaway, Millie Giles, Lizzie Huckett, Cox. Bella Trobe