Saturday saw the historic Coronation of the King, however, Sunday brought two wins to the rowing squad to be noted in the club’s history. These wins were the first medals from a regatta held on water.

The sun was shining on Sunday at Dorney Lake as 21 of the rowing squad took to the water at the Ball Cup South Regatta. Racing was held over three divisions throughout the day in multi lane, side-by-side rowing. The girls had to row through a heat in their events with the six fastest going through to the finals.

With the Olympic rings in their sights, the Year 9 Quadruple sculls rowed down their lane, battling the notorious side wind to secure 2nd place in the final, winning the silver medal. A fantastic row from Darcey, Emily, Olivia and Vanessa, coxed by Zoe in Year 10. We had crews boating, racing and returning every few minutes throughout the day. Excitement continued through Division 2 when our Year 10 double scullers, Lara and Anna, took a third place in their heat but their time was just a few seconds off the mark for the final.

Competition was fierce in the Year 10 coxed quadruple sculls in the afternoon with one Tormead crew coming third in their heat, and the other Tormead quad coming second in their heat. Mobile phones were intensely watched for the live results to let us know who had made the final. Again, both crews just beaten on time despite their efforts.

he final race of the day for Tormead was the Yr 11 double sculls just after 5.00pm. Sophie and Eilidh held their nerve and rowed superbly, building pace throughout the race to secure the bronze medal.

The support across all age groups was absolutely brilliant. The girls raced to their limits and many compliments were given on how well they had done.

A loud shout out of thanks to the parent army who facilitated the loading, unloading and towing of the trailer, and some top-quality encouragement from the towpath! A fantastic day.

Jill Cobbett, Head of Rowing