Cantabrigian Rowing Club make national impact on dual platforms

Cantabrigian Rowing Club crews have made a big impression on the national stage.

The club sent four crews to contest the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race, and their top boat emerged victorious. The crew of Gloria Jansen, Rebecca Smith, Abi Bartlett, Amanda Clarkson, Molly Shaw, Izzy Rhodes, Rosa Mueller, Vanessa Lockyer and cox Callum Mantell won the Provincial Pennant for the fastest club crew based outside of the M25.

Midway through the race, Mantell steered them past Nottingham RC, who beat them to the crown the last time the race was held in 2018.

They finished 26th to also earn the Di Ellis Trophy, while the B crew were 53rd despite having two changes to their boat the day before the race.

Cantabs club captain Ellie Darlington said: “I’m delighted for all of our crews at WEHORR, who all raced well and put in performances that they are proud of.

“The results this year reflect the depth of talent in our squad, and the brilliant coaching that they receive.

“It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the whole squad that they could row in new line-ups even on the day of the race and still come out with such impressive results.”

They followed it up with a win in the women’s championship and club A eights at the Cambridge Winter League, third leg.

Cantabs had four crews competing in the Schools’ Head of the River Race on the reverse Boat Race course on the Tideway.

The girls’ championship J16 eight were eighth, the girls’ school first and second eights featured students from Hills Road Sixth Form College, who row with Cantabs as part of a partnership between the school and club were 10th and sixth respectively in their categories.

The boys’ school first eight raced well to finish 16th in a large field of entries.

“Once again, Cantabs has developed our keenest rowers to compete at the highest levels,” said Ayden Duffy, Hills Road head of sport.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to row such an iconic course, and one they will remember each time they watch the Boat Race.”

Oli Frazer, Cantabs’ junior performance squad head coach, said: “The girls have developed a great team spirit, discipline, and a strong work ethic.

“They deserve to be performing at the highest level and I’m very proud of all they have achieved.”