Lots of gold in a great end to HLRC’s successful season

Hannah Lowe and Molly Archbold

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Taking part in their last Head Race of the season, a team of Seniors, Masters and Juniors represented Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club (HLRC ) on Sunday 6 April, rowing 2,350 metres on the River Weaver.

Two trailers carrying 20 boats descended on a very busy Northwich Club, joining hundreds of rowers from dozens of other rowing clubs.

George Kershaw started the day winning gold in the IM3.1x category, as did Reece Handley in the IM2.1x category. After a brief rest they teamed up to win another gold in the doubles IM2.2x category.

The Masters crew, Mike Smith, Jason Hardman, Bob Moore and Eric Kent put in a supreme effort to win gold against strong opposition in the MasD.4x- category.

Katie Hargreaves and Leanna Daniels won gold in the WIM3.2x double sculls category. Not content with one gold medal, Katie also teamed up with Laura Aspinall to win gold in the WJ16.2x race.

Although other team members were not victorious, some excellent performances were put in by HLRC rowers in other categories. Molly Archbold (second) and Hannah Lowe (third) in the WJ13.1x single sculls category, teamed up to double scull, rowing up a year in the WJ14.2x race. In a field of 13 crews, Hannah and Molly and their team mates, Jess Pilkington and Harriet Jackson finished mid-field with very creditable performances.

Tom Bullock and Alastair Holbrough put in good performances in a large J14.1x race, finishing sixth and third respectively, and Amy Bullock rowed a strong race in the single scull WJ16.1x. In the J18.1x race, Adam Clegg came runner up, just missing out on the gold.

In a large field of women’s quads the WJ14.4x+ comprising Gabriella Fennell, Sally Tisdall, Sophie Webb, Amy Aspinall and cox, Jess Pilkington, fought hard to be placed fifth showing true grit and determination.

The day was long and chaotic with 104 competitors in the single sculls race and 155 crews in the doubles, quads, etc. races. Well organised and buzzing with good natured competition and excitement, the event was a great way to end HLRC’s successful season of Head Races.

The season ahead is the short course, sprinting regattas which should bring greater success for all at the club.