On Saturday 18th March, Leander men’s squad took three crews to race The Head of the River Race from Mortlake to Putney in London.
Leander’s top boat set off 2nd behind a strong Oxford Brookes crew containing eight World Champions from last summer’s World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.
Leander’s crew also contained World Champions Sholto Carnege and Tom Ford from last summer’s winning men’s 8+, Will Stewart from the winning 4- and Olly Wynne-Griffith who placed 3rd in the men’s pair. Jacob Dawson, James Robson, Harry Glennister, young U23 club-based athlete Miles Devereux and cox Henry Fieldman completed the crew line up for this 4 ¼ mile race.
The stage was set for this fantastic race and the crews did not disappoint to entertain. With approximately 3 lengths separating the crews the whole way down the track, it was a great battle. With no intermediate times available during the race, it all added to the suspense for the crews and spectators after the race until the final times were released.
Congratulations to Oxford Brookes who took the win by 1.9 seconds. It was a great effort by our Leander crew and whilst frustrating to come so close and miss out on the overall victory, the Leander men raced well. The return of the international athletes at the club these past few days has been a privilege. They now return to Caversham to train with the national team and we wish them well for the fast-approaching regatta season.
Leander’s 2nd boat containing: Tom Ballinger, Jack Keating, James Vogel, Dan Graham, Josh Bowesman-Jones, Bruce Turnell, and Rory Harris coxed by Jack Tottem achieved 5th place and our 3rd boat of Tristan Grainge, Nick Bryan, Rudulph Quefeld, Bryn Ellery, Joe Adamson, Matt Fielding, Alfie Heath, Nick Farrell coxed by Sonia Gladstone came home in 12th position.
Leander would like to thank the organisers of the HORR for hosting a great event and thank you to Fulham Reach Boat Club for supporting Leander on race day.
Leander now move on to smaller boats as we prepare for GB Trials on 14th-16th April.
