Loughborough Boat Club
Four Loughborough Boat Club members will be representing the East Midlands in the England Senior Inter-Regional Championships after battling it out in the regional trials at the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham.
The Women’s Quad of Emily Clarke, Fiona Richmond, Rachel Scott and Anna Henderson completed the 2000 metre course 10 seconds ahead of nearest rivals Nottingham and Union/Derwent and 11 seconds in front of Notts County Rowing Association – so assuring them of a place in the East Midlands team for the championships to be held on Saturday 28th April at Holme Pierrepont.
Emily Clarke and Fiona Richmond also won in the pairs race, beating Nottingham Boat Club by 3 seconds. However, it will be the second placed crew that takes the place in the regional team as Clarke and Richmond can only be selected for one boat.
Anna Henderson also put in a fine performance in the single sculls, coming home just 3 seconds behind the winning Notts County sculler.
Back on the River Soar at Zouch, the Club has been relieved to be able to get on the water again following more than a month of closure due to the foot and mouth crisis. Said Club Vice Captain Mary Carswell "It has been very frustrating over the last few weeks. We had already lost a lot of time on the water this winter due to floods so we are very pleased that, with the right precautions, we are now able to get out again.
"There was a lot of interest in taking up rowing after the GB Olympic success but it has been difficult to get beginners onto the water - hopefully we can now get them started. Anyone who has been put off by the weather over the winter and would like to have a go at rowing should give our Captain Keith Hudson a ring on 01509 673043 or call in at the Club any Tuesday or Thursday evening or weekend morning. We are particularly keen to train people up as coxes. This is a really important role in the crew and can easily make the difference between winning and losing a race – age and fitness are irrelevant so it’s a great way for anyone to get involved in the sport."