By Miss Harris (Head Rowing Coach)

On Sunday 16th March, trials for the Eastern Region Rowing Team were held in Peterborough. These were to select the crews for one of the most anticipated spring events among junior rowers - the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta (JIRR). BGS entered five boats across Years 9 to 11, all aiming to earn their place representing the Eastern Region on 26th April 2025. 

Competitors faced a gusty headwind that tested their skills and composure, particularly as it was the first time attaching to stake boats this season. The conditions led to some tight races which our WJ15 4+ experienced coming a close second to Norwich School in an exciting finish. The WJ15 4x+ raced well across the day making some positive changes between their heat and final which really stepped up their performance, despite this it wasn’t quite enough to earn the spot on the team.

In their debut side-by-side race our WJ14 4x+ delivered an outstanding performance, qualifying fastest out of their heat by an impressive 12 seconds. Unfortunately, they faced challenges in the final, but they gained a valuable and positive experience heading into the rest of the season. Our WJ16 2- racing for the first time ever in this boat class, experienced well-matched competition and placed third which ultimately did not qualify them for the team.

The WJ16 4- dealt exceptionally with some of the roughest conditions of the day, leading from the first stroke and pushing away to a dominant 17 second win over the 1km course. The crew of Rosemary McGregor, Kara Farquhar, Zena Breed and Rosie Palmer can now look forward to racing for the Eastern region team at JIRR in April.  

Congratulations to the WJ16 4- on their win, and well done to all rowers for their efforts!

We still have one boat left trying to qualify, the fate of our WJ16 8+ will be decided next week by their performance at The Schools’ Head of the River (SHoRR).