STRATFORD-upon-Avon’s masters’ women crews took on the Thames Tideway in the The Vesta International Masters Head of The River Race.
The club’s novice E masters’ VIII, expertly coxed by Alistair Washborn, benefitted from a clear race plan over the 7km distance.
Ellie Davis (stroke) set the pace, followed by Lin Hansen, Jane Cryer, Katie Burman, Geraldine Chorley, Abby Symons, Vicky Millward (Worcester Rowing Club) and Gina Fusco (bow).
The crew set off at 31 strokes per minute and quickly overtook rivals Evesham.
And the crew also managed to overtake Marlow before eventually starting to flag.
However, Washborn galvanised the ladies into action at Hammersmith Bridge as Stratford overtook a third boat to finish in a time of 23 minutes and 59 seconds and win their division.
Crew captain Ellie Davis said: “It was a fantastic win for a crew that came together exceptionally well and we all had a fantastic day.”
Stratford women’s masters’ C8+, coxed by Jen Carey with Rebecca England at stroke and Fiona Shultz, Lucy Scarlett, Ruth Poulten, Caroline Collins, Corinna Burger, Clare Booth and Rona Fitzpatrick in the bow also took on the Thames Tideway.
However, a blade came out of its gate which hampered the crew, costing them several seconds, before they eventually regained the blade and completed the course in 23 mins 40 secs.
Masters’ women vice-captain, Amanda Bowden said: “The women’s squad has been growing and training harder over the season, so to finish the head race season with a victory in London is incredible. We are now looking forward to the regatta season.”
