It is hard to describe the scale of the National Schools’ Regatta (NSR), held annually at the National Water Sports Centre, in Nottingham.  Over 3500 girls and boys compete at a range of age-grades and disciplines with as many as 6000 spectators cheering them on.  There are few sporting events at school level to compare.  The crews from HMSG spent three gruelling, sun-drenched days competing on the 2km course, and turned in some fine results.

The J15 (year 10) coxed fours won Bronze on day one, finishing 3rd out of 20 schools; a magnificent performance.  On day two the J15 coxed eight put in an almighty display to take silver.  Having beaten Sir William Perkins’ school quite comfortably in the semi final, the girls were clearly upset at losing to them in the final, but no-one would take anything away from what was a fine display of team rowing.

The senior girls did not fair quite so well, but their disappointment at not medalling is a statement in itself about just what a force HMSGBC has become over the years.  The Scullers, Pip (Senior) and Fredi (J16) also finished outside of the medals but put in heroic performances.  All other crews rowed with distinction and it must be said that out of the dozens of schools competing, none supported each other quite like the Habs girls!

All the girls, whether competing or spectating, were a credit to their school.  The new Marquee looked magnificent on the bank of the lake and the parents who made the journey up to Nottingham enjoyed a fine display of inter-school rowing at its very best.  Thanks, as ever, go to Mrs Callaghan, Mr Cheesman and Ms Guha Roy for their efforts throughout the year and especially over the three days of competitive rowing at the Nationals.  They left on Sunday looking saddle-sore but very proud.