06 September 2012

North of England Sprint Rowing Championships 2012, Hollingworth Lake RC


Northwich RC traveled north in the region to compete in the multilane 500 m North of England Sprint Rowing Championships hosted by Hollingworth Lake RC on Sat 1 September 2012. A small group of members entered, returning with five worthy wins. It proved to be a good day on and off the water. The weather can play a major part with the location situated on the edge of the Pennies, however this year we were blessed with sunshine and little wind to speak of. The event was cancelled last year due to lack of reservoir water, not so this year!

Two young up and coming juniors who started the sport last year demonstrated their determination to win and that their training & dedication to the sport does pay off.
Finn Lawton 17 yrs and Harry Blake 15 yrs entered their own age category and senior races with success for both young athletes.

Finn entered Intermediate 3 single scull winning his three boat semi final to then race in the final against an older sculler from Bradford RC winning by a length. He then raced J17 single scull, he controlled his three boat semi final. His final was a thrilling race when he came from behind with 150 meters to go, powering his way to the finish line crossing it two seconds ahead of Doncaster RC.
Harry in the morning, raced J16 single scull first winning his heat and semi final reaching the final against Doncaster RC. It was a very close race from the start with both scullers neck and neck; Harry tried to push for the finish but was beaten by one second.
He also entered Novice Men single scull, in the afternoon, winning his three boat semi by four lengths going on to win the three boat final by an impressive two lengths against men twenty years and more older than him. He won his medal and was awarded a beautiful two pint “pot” for winning his novice! And he is only 15 years old!

Poppy Burgess joined Hollingworth Lake RC to win Women’s Junior 17 double scull composite winning comfortably in the final.

Final win was Women’s Masters C/D double scull with Clare Briegal and Melanie Benson (C) having a comfortable win against Hollingworth Lake (D) considering they had a 4 second handicap to make up crossing the finish line 4 lengths up.

Crew Wins
IM3 single scull:                Finn Lawton
Mens Novice single scull:  Harry Blake
J17 single scull:                 Finn Lawton
WMC/D double scull:      Clare Briegal, Melanie Benson
WJ 17 double scull:          Poppy Burgess, composite HL RC.