In what can only best be described as variable water and weather conditions, Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club produced some stunning performances on the last day of the National Championships to bring home a medal haul of 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Racing over the 2000m course at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham was always going to be difficult against the top National crews from both Schools and Clubs across Great Britain, however, the Maidstone Invicta Rowers did not disappoint its supporters and fought hard on the last day to end the regatta on a real high. Winning Gold in the Open Junior Coxless Fours and Open Junior Coxless Pairs, Silver in the Open Junior Coxed Fours and Bronze in the Open Junior Under 15 Double Sculls.
With crews entered in the under 14, 15, 16, 18 and Senior events this was the largest number of athletes selected by the Club to compete at the Championships in the Clubs relatively short 25 year history.
Other results of note was a 5th place for Stuart Hampshire and Chris Mollison competing in the Open Double Sculls who narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in 5th place in a very tight race.
Ray Long, Head Coach - Juniors, said "These results were not only a credit to the hard work and dedication put in by the athletes, but also reflect on the incredible support of both the Coaches and Parents. This has been a very long and hard season, but the results speak volumes about the growing success of the Club. With the results of these Championships and the GB Final trials only 2 weeks ago, 12 of our athletes have now be selected for International representation by GB Rowing, with Morgan Hellen, Josh Pendry and James Crumpton selected for the Great Britain 8 at the Coupe De La Jeunesse European match, which is being held in France in two weeks time. Plus, Tim, Tom, Jon, Ben, Ross, Craig, Alex, Will and Sam all being selected for the England team, which is fantastic. I would also like to mention the support of Evesham Rowing Club who have been instrumental in the development of these athletes, and I could not finish without thanking Arran O'Dell, Mark Woodcock and Paul Crumpton who have worked with the squad in specialist Coaching roles, and without question the ongoing support of our Club Chairman, Robin Chapman, in what has been a truly outstanding season."
Open Junior Coxless 4 - Gold Medallists
Sam Blackwell
Will Tew
Alex Torbica
Craig Turner
Open Junior Coxless Pairs - Gold Medallists
Alex Torbica
Craig Turner
Open Junior Coxed Four - Silver Medallists
Jon Farrar
Tom Mason
Tim Grant
Ben Farrar
Cox - Ross Porter
Open Junior U15 Double Sculls - Bronze Medallists
Lewi Giles
Ryan Mitchell
Others:
Open Double Sculls
Chris Mollison
Stuart Saunders
Open Single Sculls
Matt Nicholls
Under 14 Double Sculls
Pierre Flasse
Nick Penny
Open Junior Coxless Pairs
David Porter
Tim Grant
Womens Under 14 Double Sculls
Sally McConchie
Bella Fish
Womens Under 16 Coxed Fours
Sarah Judd
Abi Delderfield
Polly Bass
Emily Dow
Cox - Lauren Gilchrist
Ray Long
