Royals top the medal table at Northwich

Royal Chester Rowing Club travelled the short distance to race on the river Weaver at Northwich on Sunday. A squad of club members ranging from Masters to Juniors competed against clubs from around the North West over a 2.5km course. The successful days racing resulted in Royals coming top of the medal table winning in eight different categories.

Highlight of the day was the Seniors with the First Eight of Harry Mcgarva, Rupert Wiltshire, Joe Fletcher Hunt, Henry Harte, Fraser Morgan, Peter Dean, Jack Mcgarva, Alex Constantinou and cox Sarah Armstrong, winning in 7mins 7.9 seconds the fastest time of the day and a new course record. They collected the Walter Benyon Trophy, a satisfying result for coach Jamie Leighton who was himself coached by Walter Benyon in 1966.

Wins also came from the Women’s Masters coxed for of Jane Sweeney, Irene Adams, Helen Tweed and Nicki Miller coxed by Jo Hinnigan. The pair of Jake Freer-Smith and Ben Newall picked up their first medals in this category having only taken up sweep oared rowing four weeks ago after considerable success as scullers. They then went on to win in Novice coxed fours with the addition of Oliver Smith, Morgan Linfield and cox Eve Lawlor.

Photos: Men’s Eight, Fastest crew of the day. Harry Mcgarva, Rupert Wiltshire, Joe Fletcher Hunt, Henry Harte, Fraser Morgan, Peter Dean, Jack Mcgarva, Alex Constantinou and cox Sarah Armstrong with coach Jamie Leighton.

Novice Four, Ben Newell, Jake Freer-Smith, Oliver Smith, Morgan Linfield and cox Eve Lawlor

WME 4+ Jo Hinnigan, Nicki Miller, Jane Sweeney, Helen Tweed and Irene Adams.