The first event of the Hants & Dorset racing calendar saw SSRC’s Louis Sheasby and Carter Horrix in fine form, winning the J16 double sculls race at the Head of the Stour, by over twenty seconds. The crew was dominant from the start, their victory setting not only the fastest time set by any double sculls crew, but also recorded the sixth fastest boat overall: a fantastic achievement and great start to the season for the crew, who were racing up an age group.
Frances and Beth Katirewa made their debut in the Ladies Junior Coastal Pair with a great row, to secure runner-up position behind the home club Christchurch. A new line up in the girls J14 coastal quad, with Annabelle Steward, Immy Burfitt, Layla Katirewa & Ella Haydon enjoyed a spirited row, and posted a respectable time, finishing ahead of a dozen crews.
The Ladies and Men’s Junior fours had clean, solid rows but were slightly off the pace. Remaining positive however, they will certainly look now to bridge the deficit in training in the coming weeks.
Other encouraging performances were given by Esme Walters and Stella Gamble, contesting the Open Women’s 2x category after just one outing together, and finishing a creditable fifth. Carter and Louis also finished 5th and 9th respectively in the Novice River 1x race, gaining invaluable experience in the process.
The club will now travel to Southampton on Saturday for the BTC Spring Head.
