STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club’s women’s masters VIII made a strong start to the head season at the Gloucester Autumn Head.
The crew of Rebecca England (stroke), Rebecca Paul, Jane Cryer, Lin Hansen, Corinna Burger, Katie Burman, Geraldine Chorley and Lucy Scarlett (bow) were expertly coxed by Maria from Bewdley Rowing Club.
Over the 5km course, the newly formed crew kept their strokes long and loose despite being hotly pursued.
They eventually increased their pace to finish strongly in their first head race of the season.
Masters vice captain, Amanda Bowden, said: “This was a good test for the crew and I am pleased to see increased levels of training are paying off.
“Well done to Lucy Scarlett competing in her first head race and to Rebecca Paul, Corinna Burger and Geraldine Chorley returning to rowing following a break.
“To commit to a 5k race for the first one is very impressive.”
Stratford’s WMD4x of Emily Sayers, Christine Goodwin, Gina Fusco and Ellie Davis rowed in their first race of the season.
The crew finished second in their event over a distance of 5km.
Fusco added: “We now have a benchmark for the head season.”
Stratford’s fastest crew of the day were the WMD2x stroked by Suzie Radley.
Sticking to a consistent rate and boat speed, the crew experienced an exciting race following the eights ahead of them.
Bowden at bow responded positively to the steering of the crew ahead as she looked to overtake.
However, after failing to find a safe path to pass an opportunity finally opened up in the final 1km as the crew went the past the finish line.
