The spirit, talent and ambition of HMSG Rowing Club has shone brightly this term.  Winter training has been extremely challenging with the full club pulling together and offering support to one another through the many hours of ergos, weights, runs, circuits, Astro power sessions, early morning outings and not to forget the ‘oarsome’ mileage clocked up on the river.  It has been hard, but they are committed, fit and full of belief.

The girls have been rewarded with outstanding wins and performances across the Club at all the events we have competed at this term. 

HMSGRC Sculling Ladder – The ladder was introduced at the start of the term for those girls wishing to compete for the Club and has run every Saturday over 2.5k course.  Competitive Crews have then been selected from the ladder position.  At the moment Jo is top of the Ladder.  The ladder has been hugely successful and contributed to individual’s confidence, competitiveness, and ambition to succeed/win both in training and in racing.

Cardiff 10k Run – The term kicked off with the Cardiff 10k run in September.  Along with HMSG staff the rowers rose to the 10k challenge and all completed the full course in style.  This was an outstanding achievement, as the majority of the girls have never run further than 5 miles.

Events

• At Wallingford Small Boat Head in October, our Year 10A quad (Emily, Elena, Rachel, Felicity, Charlotte) experienced their first major taste of success by destroying their opposition in true Habs’ style.
• At Pangbourne Junior Sculling Head, the Junior 18A quad produced the fastest girls’ boat time of the day, with the B quad finishing a respectable second.  Not to be outdone the Junior Coxed 16 Quad displayed determination and fitness and claimed their first well deserved victory of the season.  Jo raced to glory in her single with Holly finishing closely behind.
• Hampton Small Boat Head, With all other school sporting fixtures being cancelled at the end of November due to the arctic weather front, it was left to the rowers to fly the sporting flag for HMSG.  Wrapped up in warm thermals the club competed at Hampton Small Boat Head in minus degree temperatures.  The boats were covered in ice and icicles hung from the blades during the 3k race.  All HMSG crews put in strong performances producing results that clearly show progress and strength in depth within the club.  HMSGRC were the top performing school in girls’ doubles across the board. 

As the term draws to a close, we can take confidence from the training and performance and look forward to a warmer Lent term with many more wins.

Wallingford  Small Boats Head 2010.  Junior 15 Coxed Quads - Winners
 

Wallingford  Small Boats Head 2010.  Junior 15 Coxed Quads - Winners
 

Single sculling – Pangbourne Head – winner of GJ171X
 

Pangbourne Head – Winners and fastest girls’ boat of the day
 

Pangbourne  Junior Sculls Head 2010.  Junior 16 Coxed Quads - Winners
 

Cardiff 10k run September 2010.  Rowers and HMSG staff