STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club’s women’s masters E VIII competed in the Women’s Eights Head of the River race.
The race took place on the iconic Oxford/Cambridge boat race course on the Tideway along the River Thames.
More than 300 other crews also took part in the event with cox Jen Carey, Ellie Davis stroke, Gina Fusco, Jane Cryer, Ruth Poulten, Clare Booth, Abby Symons, Caroline Collins and Charlotte Jones at bow representing Stratford.
Davis held the stroke rate at 30 strokes per minute to achieve a smooth and confident rhythm.
Carey’s experience on the Tideway allowed the Stratford crew to maximise the stream to their advantage.
And the Stratford crew crossed the line in an improved team compared to the previous year,
Coach Sam Hill, said: “Jen steered the perfect line round the long Hammersmith bend straight under the famous lamp post.
“The crew displayed powerful efficient rowing, a credit to the hard work they have been putting in for the last six months.
“The training continues in preparation for Vets Head in two weeks’ time.”
Stratford’s masters also competed at Gloucester Head in wild weather and very choppy conditions.
Due to illness and a last minute substitution, Rebecca England and Thomas Doherty ended up racing in both divisions, racking up a total of 28 kilometres.
The pair rowed well and overtook a number of crews to finish second in both their races.
