Our junior scullers were launched in force at Burton regatta, putting in fantastic performances on both days and demonstrating just how far our “squad” has come in recent times.

James Holland was first off on Saturday in J14 singles. He fought bravely all the way to the finish line, losing to the eventual event winner from Stourport Boat Club. 

Guy Playdon and Tom Newton were next up in the J14 Double. After narrowly losing to a Burton Leander double at Burton Regatta last year, it was great to be racing the same crew again, this time winning easily in the first round and balancing the books. The boys went on to race Newark Rowing Club in the final and secured their first ever win by a margin of 3 lengths. None other than Margaret Marshall later presented them with their pots. 

Sunday’s shorter course Regatta again kicked off with James, losing in a David and Goliath style match against a Northwich boy who must have been at least 2 feet taller! Yet again he battled right up to the line showing true character! Guy and Tom were next, once again despatching the Burton Leander boys, then jumping into singles with Tom narrowly losing his heat to a Burton lad and Guy winning his race against… Burton. Guy then had a short break and set out again in his single, losing to James’s Northwich nemesis, the event winner. 

Then followed Jonty Frost and Matt Wood who were racing J16 doubles, a very tough event, in which they lost narrowly to Leicester in the semi final. This has inspired the lads to train even harder, so it won’t be long before they get their revenge.

After beating Bradford Rowing Club decisively in the semi final of J14 doubles Guy and Tom were our last chance of a Sunday pot, against Stourport in the final. In a thrilling race they sadly missed out on the mayors handshake (perhaps a steering error or possibly heat exhaustion contributed, who knows). 

Anyway, all in all, an enjoyable weekend at a traditional regatta and many thanks to all the supporters, especially Mavis Holland who came all the way from Scotland to see her grandson James race.