Hexham Rowing Club juniors would enjoy an unforgettable few days at the National Schools' Regatta earlier this month.

The National Schools’ Regatta is the largest regatta for juniors in Great Britain. Held annually in late May, it offers events for Junior Rowers between J14 and J18. Junior athletes initially contest a time trial over 1900 meters (or 1000 meters for J14) to establish which final they will be in.

The finals are raced over 2000 meters (or 1000 meters for J14) all side by side over six lanes. Hexham Rowing Club junior squad took three crews to the event.

Cassie, Isabel Cain, Esme Pugh and Emma Nicholson competed in the Women’s J16 coxless quad. They rowed well in the time trial, recording the second quickest time to secured their place in the A final. The final was a hotly contested affair with a battle for first place all the way down the 2000m course. The girls kept their cool in challenging conditions, finishing second and earning themselves a silver medal.

Two J16 doubles took to the waters next. Harry Westlake and Jacob Lloyd raced well in their time trial finishing fifth and earning themselves a spot in the A final. 

The A final was a close race and the boys double finished 8th overall, another outstanding performance.  The second double of Joe Gaskin and Ethan Thompson finished twelfth in their time trial to qualify for the B final in which they finished a very impressive fourth. 

Hexham Rowing Club Juniors came away from the event proud, showing the hard work of the athletes and the commitment of their coaches Owen Slipman and Julia Gledson really does pay dividends. Their next National event is the British Junior Rowing Championships at Holme Pierrepoint in July, so the hard work continues.