As the country braced itself for the latest snow storm to hit the UK at the weekend, the HMSG rowers travelled to London to race at Hampton Head. Saturday morning saw -6 degree temperatures, ice on the Thames and frozen toilets but our girls were prepared. Suitably clad in layer upon layer of clothing, woolly hats and hot water bottles at the ready, they took to the water. Division one saw excellent performances by all crews, the junior 16 double and junior four both coming 4th amongst some tough competition as well as the junior 15 and junior 16 fours who both came 5th. The junior doubles also had great races competing amongst some of the top crews in the country. The girls then had a quick break to warm up and regain feeling in some very cold fingers before heading out for division two. The junior four had a solid race and the junior 15 quad gained 3rd place. The junior 16 eight was competing amongst some of our biggest rivals, their first race of this season as a crew and they came 3rd, a fantastic result. After the second division was over, all efforts were on loading the trailer and in freezing conditions it was loaded in record time!
It was a day where all the girls showed their determination and camaraderie, the extreme conditions did not faze them; they were focussed, motivated, supportive and a real credit to their school. Hampton was the start of what could prove to be a brilliant year for HMSGRC. Well done girls, bring on the next race!
Pictures courtesy of Mr J Kavanagh