Record Entry for North of England Head 2014

The North of England Head of the River Race on the Dee attracts competitors from as far afield as Nottingham and Newcastle and this years entry of nearly 180 eights and quad sculls was close to capacity.

Organised by Royal Chester Rowing Club, the crew’s race in two divisions from Eccleston ferry to the finish at Dee Lane, starting at ten second intervals with frequent enthusiastic overtaking. The prize for the fastest crew is a spectacular antique silver trophy first awarded in 1937 with medals for status winners.

The weather for both divisions was unpredictable with strong winds and squally showers making for challenging conditions for the crews whose ages ranged from 13 to 77.

Kings School Chester were the most successful local club with eight wins in Division 1 in Women’s Junior 8, Women’s J16 8, Women’s Novice 8, Women’s J14 coxed quad and Women’s J 14 coxed octuple. They also had two wins in division 2 with Junior 14 coxed octuple and Women’s junior 14 coxed quad.

Grosvenor Rowing Club women’s intermediate 2 eight continued their good form winning the status medals and recording the fastest time for a women’s crew of 17 mins 45 secs.

The fastest time of the day, 15 mins 38 secs was set by Agecroft Rowing Club Senior 8 who once again collected the winner’s trophy holding off a strong challenge from two Durham University crews.

See pictures courtesy of 9bar and Pamela Hanlon. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lzgdgqrzsblyig8/3Cjs1u2Ts1?n=40907941