From the beginning of the school year all the year groups from 4th to Lower 6th have worked as one. The support and enthusiasm from the girls towards each other has been inspiring. There has been a real team spirit with all the girls willing to row together, from raw novices to some of our most experienced girls. Rapid improvement showed quickly in all crews, resulting in wins at Worcester, Wycliffe SBH, Wycliffe Head and City of Bristol. Despite the severe flooding, squad spirits remained high heading towards the Schools Head. Unfortunately the girls 1st Eight was unable to row due to appalling weather conditions and the event was cancelled.
We headed off to France for our training camp with enthusiasm. The good water and sunny weather was a welcome change after our very wet winter. Massive improvement was shown by Sarah Coates in her single scull and Ali Brawn, Gabby Price, Esther Vernon, Camilla Thomas, Lydia Meddings and Paul Springett in a coxed four. On our return the Four were willing to make an Eight with the other girls and we headed to Wallingford Regatta with high hopes. Both the Eight and Four rowed well in difficult conditions and earned their places in the finals where they came home in fifth place, but right in the pack of crews racing for higher places. Sarah raced Women‘s Novice sculls and J16 sculls. She showed real class in both events making both finals and winning J16. At Coate Water Park, the Four and Eight showed real pace, with the Four winning its first round easily, but going out in the semi-final to some very good crews. The Eight won their first round but lost the final by ¾ of a length. Sarah lost J18 sculls by a third of a length to a National medallist and Elle Coates and Lydia sculled well, but lost to very good opposition in the semi-final of J15 double sculls.
National Schools at Nottingham was the main aim for the girls Eight. They demonstrated a very professional attitude and went out determined to row their best. Despite racing the gold and silver medallists in the first round on Saturday, the girls were not overwhelmed by the occasion and rowed at a level of control and aggression not seen at Monkton for a very long time. They deserve all the praise they have received this year for their guts and control. Well done girls. On Sunday the weather conditions worsened but spirits remained high. First up were the girls J16 Four of Sophie Searight, Katy, Elle, Esther and Lydia coxing. This crew was a combination only tried once before, but rowing in the Eight had given them pace and aggression. They rowed well leaving Oundle School behind and chasing KGS home right to the line. Their time was a top ten performance but unfortunately they didn‘t qualify for the next round. Sarah was our last competitor left in and she did not disappoint. In ever worsening conditions she qualified for the semi and final in good style. The final was a very tight race up to 1250 m where the first three scullers started to draw away leaving Sarah to paddle in fourth. With a good winter's training, she should be a good prospect for National Honours next year.
There were two more events before the end of term but with exams looming and training time reduced little was expected from the girls' crews. We went to Stratford on Avon for some fun and the girls didn‘t disappoint. With three crews entered Womens Novice Four, J15 2x and J16 1x, all crews made the finals winning Womens Novice Fours and J16 1x.
The last event of the school year was Women‘s Henley where Sarah sculled and Ali, Gabby, Esther, Camilla and Lydia, entered Women‘s Junior Fours. Wins were not expected, but good rows were hoped for. Sarah has sculled well all year and winning her first round was a just reward for a hard year's training and showed she can compete at the highest level.
She lost her second round to a GB selected rower but she still put in her very best. The Four had a very big nut to crack if they were going to qualify for the next round. Their opposition were South Niagara from Canada, a crew which were almost twice as big as our girls. The race started well and the girls rowed strongly but were unable to match the Canadian crew for power. They lost to an outstanding crew who went on to win the whole event easily.
The performance of the girls throughout the year has been outstanding amongst the whole squad. I hope the attitude achieved this year continues; if it does then Monkton girls rowing will keep improving and wins at the bigger events will follow. It only leaves me to thank Gabby Price the Girls' Captain and her team of helpers, for all their hard work and support. Also, to say goodbye and good luck to Katy Crooks who leaves us this year - her power and smile will be sorely missed next year. A big thanks to all the other coaches for all their support through a very difficult year.
Barry Taylor