During the first few weeks of the summer holidays no fewer than 5 HMSG girls represented Wales at rowing.  Emily, Jo, Kathryn, Freddie and Hollie were all selected to represent their country at both the British National Rowing Championships in Strathclyde and the Home International Regatta in Cork.

There were many successes at the British National Rowing Championships from the Habs' girls.  A J18 composite coxed four containing Freddie and Jo raced and gained a silver medal.  The J16 composite coxless four crew involving Kathryn and Emily had a very convincing race and got through to their final.  The J16 composite coxed four containing Emily and Jo gained a bronze medal in their event.  The Junior girls' eight, a composite crew containing Emily, Jo, Freddie, Kathryn and coxed by Hollie gained a bronze medal in their event.  Hollie also coxed the Junior boys 4+ and bagged herself a gold medal by eight lengths of clear water!

After their success at the British National Rowing Championships, the girls journeyed back home for a weeks training and preparation for the Home Countries Regatta held in Cork.  Home International Regatta is the most prestigious event that our girls have attended this year. Through representing Wales, they would be competing against the home nations Scotland, Ireland and England.

The first junior girls race off was the coxless four.  The composite crew, involving Emily and Kathryn, were racing against girls two years their senior, coming fourth after a very solid performance.  The Junior coxed four containing Freddie and Jo had a fantastic race, coming third in their event. Emily, Jo, Kathryn, Freddie and Hollie were all in the junior girls 8.  The girls put in a tremendous performance to come fourth in their event, racing against girls up to two years their senior.  Hollie also coxed the junior boys four at the Home International Regatta, and after a brilliant race gained gold winning ahead of the other crews with clear water.

After a very successful day’s racing, the girls have come away from the event stronger than ever and with a very positive attitude to come back next year and try to win the event.  All of the girls who competed for Wales were racing against girls in the English, Scottish and Irish squads either one or two years their senior.  All HMSG girls will aim to represent their country again next year, building on their performances from this year and aiming to achieve a win for the Junior girls and make history!