Cantabrigian Rowing Club earn historic pennant win at Fours Head

And there is also a third success for Women's Masters C coxless four

Cantabrigian Rowing Club have made a successful raid on the Tideway, earning victories in the Fullers Head of the River Fours and the Veteran Fours Head of the River.

In the Fours Head, Cantabs became the first town club to win a pennant for 21 years.

The crew of Ann Laube, Valentina Sassow, Cecilia Collins-Taylor and Eve Beere were not put off by a clash of oars as they finished 16 seconds clear of second-placed crew Tideway Scullers to win the Women’s Challenge Quads pennant.

“We were really pleased with the determination we showed during our race,” said Beere. “Despite some steering difficulties which led to a clash with another crew, we got back into our rhythm, and once the conditions turned under Hammersmith Bridge we worked together to adjust our stroke to remain efficient.

“We agreed before racing to go out there and really put everything on the line, and it’s lovely to have got a win out of it, particularly having started at the bottom of our category.”

Third place went to clubmates Debs Oakley, Isabella Mahoney, Katie Oliver and Eleanor Milne.

Cantabs were also third in the Women’s Championship Coxed Four, while the men’s challenge quad crew were 17th.

Cantabs head coach Tom Copeland added: “We’re delighted to be the first Cambridge town club to bring back a Fours Head pennant in over 20 years.

“Going toe to toe with big Tideway clubs who are used to training on such challenging waters is difficult, and each of our crews performed well this weekend.”

Cantabs savoured success for the third year in a row in the Women’s Masters C in the veterans’ event.

Gill Cooper, Debbie Morley and Judith Weik returned from last year’s winning crew and were joined this time by Christina Woolner.

After a challenging first few strokes, they got into their rhythm to be not just the fastest Women’s Masters C coxless four but also the fastest women’s sweep crew of the day.

“I was very pleased that the crew came together with quite limited training time to win our category,” said Cooper. “The crew showed great determination pushing consistently down the course, as we were delighted our efforts brought success.

“To finish ahead of so many men’s crews and nominally faster boat types is a credit to the great coaching we have received and the equipment, facilities and support provided at Cantabs.”

Club captain Ellie Darlington said: “I am incredibly proud of our results. It’s the first time Cantabs have ever won a pennant at Fours Head, and for a crew of inexperienced scullers to win that makes it even more impressive.

“To finish third in both the Championship Four and Challenge Quad is just fantastic, too. The Masters C crew continue to impress and I was delighted to see they have made it three years in a row, with a different line-up to last year. I’m excited to see what the rest of the season holds.”