Maidstone Invicta rowing club (MIRC) headed off to Marlow International Regatta for Multilane racing at Dorney Lake on Saturday 21st June which was over 2000m and Sunday 22nd June over 1000metres.
Maidstone's first boat on the water was the Senior Coxless 4 (Josh Pendry, Will Tew, Alex Torbica and Craig Turner) where they came 2nd in their heat, in a time of 6:19.42. The final didn't go quite so well for them and they came 5th in 6:27.26
Next up was the Intermediate 8s, where the MIRC juniors (Simon Blackwell, Tim Grant, Lance Tredell, Tom Mason, Morgan Hellen, James Crumpton, Jon Farrar, Ben Farrar, coxed by Ross Porter came home 3rd in the heat qualifying for the reperchage, they raced a good race and managed to finish first in a time of 6:19.42, qualifying them for the Final, where they came 2nd to Hampton School. MIRC seniors (James Knight, Alastair Cooper, Geraint Evans, Mark Tomkins, William Purnell, Richard Ridgeway, Guy Sticklee and Owen Mills – coxed by Sue Mobbs) didn't have such a good race and finished last in their heat.
The Senior Crew of the previous race also raced at IM3 with a slight change to the crew and James Knight coming out of the crew to make way for David Porter, where they came home 5th in the heat.
The last race of the day for Maidstone was for Chris Mollison and Stuart Hampshire in the Mens Elite Doubles. They just lost out to a straight entry into the finals by coming 3rd so had to race in the reperchage where they came first, then qualifying for the final where they came 2nd in a time of 6:52.37
On the Sunday the regatta was split into AM and PM. This time the distance was only 1000metres. MIRC only entered one crew for the Sunday and that was for Intermediate 1 Mens Quad (Matt Nicholls, Chris Mollison, Stuart Hampshire and Craig Turner). In the morning the men came home first in the final in a time of 3:00.74 bringing home a plaque. Then in the afternoon the same crew raced again, but this time they came 2nd in a slightly faster time of 2:57.85.
Some of the Maidstone Invicta Mens crew are looking forward to competing at Henley Royal Regatta next week (1st – 5th July)
Laura Johnson
Metropolitan Regatta at Dorney Lake Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May
On Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May, representatives from Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club attended Metropolitan Regatta, at Dorney Lake, a glorious weekend for racing and spectating. Crews were required to race 2000m over the multilane straight course.
MIRC’s Junior eight consisting of Sam Blackwell, Ben Farrar, Morgan Hellen, James Crumpton, Alex Torbica, Will Tew, Josh Pendry and Craig Turner, coxed by Ross Porter, raced at Intermediate 1 on the Saturday and came third in their heat in a time of 6.47 and made it through to the finals. The eight had a storming race in the final and cleared the field to come first in a time of 6.30.
David Porter, Tom Mason, Tim Grant and Jon Farrar competed in Intermediate 1 coxless four and finished the course in a respectable 7.56.
The men’s Elite Double sculls of Stuart Hampshire and Chris Mollison competed in the afternoon and after a good race came third in a time of 7.25 beating opposition from London RC and Glasgow RC.
On Sunday, crews aimed to improve their times from the Saturday, the men’s Intermediate 2 eight consisting of Alastair Cooper, Stephen Slade, Geraint Evans, Guy Sticklee, Mark Tomkin, Richard Ridgeway, Will Purnell, Owen Mills coxed by Sue Mobbs were disappointed with their race and were fired up to compete in the Intermediate 3 category, they came third in this race and finished in a time of 6.32.
A change in crews members in the Junior eight from Saturday meant they didn't have as many points, so they could also race at Intermediate 3, including crew members Sam Blackwell, Ben Farrar, Jon Farrar, Tom Mason, Morgan Hellen, Tim Grant, David Porter and James Crumpton coxed by Ross Porter. They MIRC crew came first in their heat and went on to be the overall winners and completed the 2000m course in a time of 6.25 in the final.
Hampshire and Mollison competed in their Elite Double Sculls again and came second in a time of 7.20.
A new entry for the Sunday was an Intermediate 1 Quadruple scull formed of (from left to right in the photograph) Craig Turner, Stuart Hampshire, Matt Nicholls and Chris Mollison. They had a fantastic race and were pushed on at the end with pressure from Tees Rowing Club, the MIRC crew finished in first place in a time of 6.32.
Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club would like to consolidate on their experience in the recent regattas and aim high for regattas in June and July, including Marlow Regatta on 20th and 21st June and Henley Royal Regatta 1st – 5th July.
Laura McGrillen
MIRC’s Junior eight consisting of Sam Blackwell, Ben Farrar, Morgan Hellen, James Crumpton, Alex Torbica, Will Tew, Josh Pendry and Craig Turner, coxed by Ross Porter, raced at Intermediate 1 on the Saturday and came third in their heat in a time of 6.47 and made it through to the finals. The eight had a storming race in the final and cleared the field to come first in a time of 6.30.
David Porter, Tom Mason, Tim Grant and Jon Farrar competed in Intermediate 1 coxless four and finished the course in a respectable 7.56.
The men’s Elite Double sculls of Stuart Hampshire and Chris Mollison competed in the afternoon and after a good race came third in a time of 7.25 beating opposition from London RC and Glasgow RC.
On Sunday, crews aimed to improve their times from the Saturday, the men’s Intermediate 2 eight consisting of Alastair Cooper, Stephen Slade, Geraint Evans, Guy Sticklee, Mark Tomkin, Richard Ridgeway, Will Purnell, Owen Mills coxed by Sue Mobbs were disappointed with their race and were fired up to compete in the Intermediate 3 category, they came third in this race and finished in a time of 6.32.
A change in crews members in the Junior eight from Saturday meant they didn't have as many points, so they could also race at Intermediate 3, including crew members Sam Blackwell, Ben Farrar, Jon Farrar, Tom Mason, Morgan Hellen, Tim Grant, David Porter and James Crumpton coxed by Ross Porter. They MIRC crew came first in their heat and went on to be the overall winners and completed the 2000m course in a time of 6.25 in the final.
Hampshire and Mollison competed in their Elite Double Sculls again and came second in a time of 7.20.
A new entry for the Sunday was an Intermediate 1 Quadruple scull formed of (from left to right in the photograph) Craig Turner, Stuart Hampshire, Matt Nicholls and Chris Mollison. They had a fantastic race and were pushed on at the end with pressure from Tees Rowing Club, the MIRC crew finished in first place in a time of 6.32.
Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club would like to consolidate on their experience in the recent regattas and aim high for regattas in June and July, including Marlow Regatta on 20th and 21st June and Henley Royal Regatta 1st – 5th July.
Laura McGrillen
Lea Spring Regatta - Sunday 26th April 2009
With the forecast set to rain last weekend, the sun shone rather nicely for Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club's (MIRC) first regatta of the season, hosted by Lea Rowing Club up on the River Lea (a tributary of the River Thames).
With MIRC entering only 8 crews, they came away with 3 wins in the Final, with 7 of the 8 crews making it to the Final for their category.
The first win of the day was the Mens Novice 4+ (Alastair Cooper, Geraint Evans, Sean Bennett and Will Purnell coxed by Liz Macham), who were up against Kings School Rochester. To get to the final, MIRC had beaten Broxbourne earlier that morning in the semi final.
The second win was a battling competition between two Maidstone Mens crews meetings in the IMS 2x Final, with Alastair Cooper (2nd win of the day) and Guy Sticklee beating off Richard Nicholls and Sean Bennett. The winning boat had been up against Kings School Rochester in the semi final, whilst the runners up had knocked out Medway Towns Rowing Club to reach the final
The final win of the day, also had Alastair Cooper in the crew, but this time he was coxing the Mens Vet Novices (Ollie Barton, Pete Kingsley, Tom Fuller and Alan Leeson), who were up against the local Lea crew.
The Womens I3 4+ crew won their semi final heat against Lea, but lost to Broxbourne in the final, and two vet doubles finals - Harry Salmon and Robin Chapman in Vet D/E and Anne and Harry Salmon in Mixed Vet C, both lost in the final.
This Sunday the Club is off to Dorney Lake to race in the Wallingford Regatta.
Laura Johnson
With MIRC entering only 8 crews, they came away with 3 wins in the Final, with 7 of the 8 crews making it to the Final for their category.
The first win of the day was the Mens Novice 4+ (Alastair Cooper, Geraint Evans, Sean Bennett and Will Purnell coxed by Liz Macham), who were up against Kings School Rochester. To get to the final, MIRC had beaten Broxbourne earlier that morning in the semi final.
The second win was a battling competition between two Maidstone Mens crews meetings in the IMS 2x Final, with Alastair Cooper (2nd win of the day) and Guy Sticklee beating off Richard Nicholls and Sean Bennett. The winning boat had been up against Kings School Rochester in the semi final, whilst the runners up had knocked out Medway Towns Rowing Club to reach the final
The final win of the day, also had Alastair Cooper in the crew, but this time he was coxing the Mens Vet Novices (Ollie Barton, Pete Kingsley, Tom Fuller and Alan Leeson), who were up against the local Lea crew.
The Womens I3 4+ crew won their semi final heat against Lea, but lost to Broxbourne in the final, and two vet doubles finals - Harry Salmon and Robin Chapman in Vet D/E and Anne and Harry Salmon in Mixed Vet C, both lost in the final.
This Sunday the Club is off to Dorney Lake to race in the Wallingford Regatta.
Laura Johnson
Juniors at National Schools Regatta, Senior Men at Monmouth Regatta - Bank Holiday weekend
Nottingham hosted the 2009 National Schools Regatta, with conditions slightly rough on Friday 22nd May but improving during the weekend for a fantastic day on Sunday 24th May.
The Maidstone Invicta juniors attended and did not disappoint, competing against the best schools and clubs across the country. The J14 double of Nick Penny and Pierre Flasse rowed well narrowly missing out a medal, coming 4th. The girls J14 double of Sally McConchie and Bella Fish came in 11th having produced a great row. The day ended with a silver medal in the J15 double sculls with Ryan Mitchell and Lewis Giles.
Success continued throughout the weekend with the girls coxed four of Emily Dow, Polly Bass, Abi Delderfield and Sarah Judd coxed by Sally McConchie racing in two events achieving 9th and 17th. The coxed J15 quad of Charlie Talbot, Lewis Giles, Ryan Mitchell, Rob Ledniczky and coxed by Ross Porter narrowly missed out on reaching the final by 0.03 seconds coming 7th overall. The weekend finished with Morgan Hellen and Tim Grant winning the J16 coxless pairs adding to a great season. Hopefully more success to come for the squad through the summer regatta season.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents who helped the juniors achieve great success and made the weekend thoroughly enjoyable.
More success for Maidstone was achieved by the Senior Men at Monmouth regatta. The Maidstone Invicta Senior Men also had a weekend away from the club, heading off to Monmouth in Wales.
Saturday was a 750 metre sprint course with 2 crews racing at anyone time in a knockout formation; Maidstone entered 7 crews into different races they came away with 2 wins in the Final. Richard Nichols and Richard Wood won the IM3 Double, giving them points to move up to the next status, beating Evesham Rowing Club. James Knight, back on his home waters, chose to race his single scull in his old club colours for Old Monmothians Boat Club (OMBC) - alumni club for those who went to Monmouth School. He won in the final of IM3 1x and he also moves up IM2 status. The men's eight had a disappointing row and lost to Swansea university in the heat.
On the Sunday, the course was 1,500 metres, this was also 2 crews racing side by side. Maidstone entered 7 crews again. This time winning the Mens IM2 Coxed 4 – Mark Tomkins, Geraint Evans, Richard Ridgway, James Knight and coxed by Alastair Cooper beat Monmouth School with clear water between them, in a straight final. Richard Nichols and Richard Wood raced their double again, this time they raced at IM2, their new Status and gave a good race, narrowly loosing in the heat. The eight that had a disappointing row the day before, had a bit of a change around, and were up against the same components 'Swansea University' as the previous day. Despite having a better row and giving Swansea University a good race, they took the race right to the end.
Next regatta for Maidstone Invicta is the Metropolitan, at Dorney Lake on Sunday 31st May.
Kate Beaumont and Laura Johnson
The Maidstone Invicta juniors attended and did not disappoint, competing against the best schools and clubs across the country. The J14 double of Nick Penny and Pierre Flasse rowed well narrowly missing out a medal, coming 4th. The girls J14 double of Sally McConchie and Bella Fish came in 11th having produced a great row. The day ended with a silver medal in the J15 double sculls with Ryan Mitchell and Lewis Giles.
Success continued throughout the weekend with the girls coxed four of Emily Dow, Polly Bass, Abi Delderfield and Sarah Judd coxed by Sally McConchie racing in two events achieving 9th and 17th. The coxed J15 quad of Charlie Talbot, Lewis Giles, Ryan Mitchell, Rob Ledniczky and coxed by Ross Porter narrowly missed out on reaching the final by 0.03 seconds coming 7th overall. The weekend finished with Morgan Hellen and Tim Grant winning the J16 coxless pairs adding to a great season. Hopefully more success to come for the squad through the summer regatta season.
Thanks to all the coaches and parents who helped the juniors achieve great success and made the weekend thoroughly enjoyable.
More success for Maidstone was achieved by the Senior Men at Monmouth regatta. The Maidstone Invicta Senior Men also had a weekend away from the club, heading off to Monmouth in Wales.
Saturday was a 750 metre sprint course with 2 crews racing at anyone time in a knockout formation; Maidstone entered 7 crews into different races they came away with 2 wins in the Final. Richard Nichols and Richard Wood won the IM3 Double, giving them points to move up to the next status, beating Evesham Rowing Club. James Knight, back on his home waters, chose to race his single scull in his old club colours for Old Monmothians Boat Club (OMBC) - alumni club for those who went to Monmouth School. He won in the final of IM3 1x and he also moves up IM2 status. The men's eight had a disappointing row and lost to Swansea university in the heat.
On the Sunday, the course was 1,500 metres, this was also 2 crews racing side by side. Maidstone entered 7 crews again. This time winning the Mens IM2 Coxed 4 – Mark Tomkins, Geraint Evans, Richard Ridgway, James Knight and coxed by Alastair Cooper beat Monmouth School with clear water between them, in a straight final. Richard Nichols and Richard Wood raced their double again, this time they raced at IM2, their new Status and gave a good race, narrowly loosing in the heat. The eight that had a disappointing row the day before, had a bit of a change around, and were up against the same components 'Swansea University' as the previous day. Despite having a better row and giving Swansea University a good race, they took the race right to the end.
Next regatta for Maidstone Invicta is the Metropolitan, at Dorney Lake on Sunday 31st May.
Kate Beaumont and Laura Johnson
Poplar Regatta - Sunday 10th May 2009
On Sunday 10th May, a large contingency from Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club attended Poplar and Blackwell regatta, racing over a straight 2000m multi lane course. The day started early, with the women’s intermediate 3 1x with Sophie Ollier, after a good start Ollier settled into a good rhythm and kept close to her competitors after recently moving up into this higher category. Ollier completed the course in a time of 9.08mins.
This was shortly followed by the Men’s Intermediate 2 eight, featuring Guy Sticklee, Richard Ridgeway, Mark Tomkin, Will Purnell, James Knight, Richard Nichols, Geraint, Alastair Cooper coxed by Laura McGrillen. After a good racing start, the other crews pulled away to leave the Maidstone eight in fourth place. With the morning race behind them the men went on to race in the Intermediate 3 eights and finished in third place in a respectable time of 6.14mins.
The sun stayed out for the ladies novice four, featuring Katie Martin, Liz Bennett, Claire Torbica, Kate Povall coxed by Liz Macham. With an excellent start, the ladies managed to stay ahead throughout the race and finished with clear water in a time of 7.56mins. The ladies claimed their novice pots and are now looking forward to racing in their new category of Intermediate 3.
Another win for Maidstone Invicta when Stuart Hampshire competed in the SENIOR 1x, this involved racing his doubles partner Chris Mollison. Stuart finished with clear water in a time of 7.15mins and pushes him ever closer to becoming an elite sculler, with Chris Mollison finishing in 6th place in a time of 7.46mins.
The last race of the day for Maidstone, was the women’s Intermediate 3 eight including Laura McGrillen, Anne Salmon, Liz Bennett, Claire Torbica, Katie Martin, Laura Johnson, Liz Macham, Kate Povall coxed by a junior from London Docklands club to which Maidstone are very grateful. The lilac ladies had a good race and finished a close third, unfortunately their time was not recorded.
Maidstone Invicta now have a couple of weeks to consolidate their crews and race plans before attending Monmouth on 23rd and 24th May.
Laura McGrillen
This was shortly followed by the Men’s Intermediate 2 eight, featuring Guy Sticklee, Richard Ridgeway, Mark Tomkin, Will Purnell, James Knight, Richard Nichols, Geraint, Alastair Cooper coxed by Laura McGrillen. After a good racing start, the other crews pulled away to leave the Maidstone eight in fourth place. With the morning race behind them the men went on to race in the Intermediate 3 eights and finished in third place in a respectable time of 6.14mins.
The sun stayed out for the ladies novice four, featuring Katie Martin, Liz Bennett, Claire Torbica, Kate Povall coxed by Liz Macham. With an excellent start, the ladies managed to stay ahead throughout the race and finished with clear water in a time of 7.56mins. The ladies claimed their novice pots and are now looking forward to racing in their new category of Intermediate 3.
Another win for Maidstone Invicta when Stuart Hampshire competed in the SENIOR 1x, this involved racing his doubles partner Chris Mollison. Stuart finished with clear water in a time of 7.15mins and pushes him ever closer to becoming an elite sculler, with Chris Mollison finishing in 6th place in a time of 7.46mins.
The last race of the day for Maidstone, was the women’s Intermediate 3 eight including Laura McGrillen, Anne Salmon, Liz Bennett, Claire Torbica, Katie Martin, Laura Johnson, Liz Macham, Kate Povall coxed by a junior from London Docklands club to which Maidstone are very grateful. The lilac ladies had a good race and finished a close third, unfortunately their time was not recorded.
Maidstone Invicta now have a couple of weeks to consolidate their crews and race plans before attending Monmouth on 23rd and 24th May.
Laura McGrillen
Wallingford Regatta - Sunday 3rd May 2009
Last weekend (3rd May) Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club (MIRC) headed off to Wallingford Regatta at Dorney Lake, the home of rowing for the 2012 London Olympics.
Wallingford Regatta is quite a popular regatta on the club racing calendar, with 129 races throughout the day and with multilanes, where upto 7 crews racing at one time in the 2km purpose built lake, there is a lot of compitition.
Maidstones first race was at 8:30 in the morning with Senior Mens Coxless 4 (Josh Pendry, Will Tew Alex Torbica, Craig Turner) winning their heat, then coming 2nd in the Final.
The womens Novice 8 (Liz Macham, Sue Marsden, Laura Johnson, Katie Martin, Claire Torbica, Liz Bennett, Kate Povall, Laura McGrillen and cox Jo Sticklee) also qualified for the final in their heat by coming in 2nd. There final was at 6:25pm, one of the last races of the day where they came 3rd.
Chris Mollison and Stuart Hampshire entered their double in the Elite Double sculls which was a straight final and did really well, considering they were racing one step above their station and came in an impressive 3rd place which they were both happy with.
Both the Women's Intermediate 3 Eights and Mens IM2 Eights narrowly missed out to making it into the final.
This weekend MIRC are off to Poplar Regatta at the Royal Albert Docks for more 2K multilane racing.
Laura Johnson
Wallingford Regatta is quite a popular regatta on the club racing calendar, with 129 races throughout the day and with multilanes, where upto 7 crews racing at one time in the 2km purpose built lake, there is a lot of compitition.
Maidstones first race was at 8:30 in the morning with Senior Mens Coxless 4 (Josh Pendry, Will Tew Alex Torbica, Craig Turner) winning their heat, then coming 2nd in the Final.
The womens Novice 8 (Liz Macham, Sue Marsden, Laura Johnson, Katie Martin, Claire Torbica, Liz Bennett, Kate Povall, Laura McGrillen and cox Jo Sticklee) also qualified for the final in their heat by coming in 2nd. There final was at 6:25pm, one of the last races of the day where they came 3rd.
Chris Mollison and Stuart Hampshire entered their double in the Elite Double sculls which was a straight final and did really well, considering they were racing one step above their station and came in an impressive 3rd place which they were both happy with.
Both the Women's Intermediate 3 Eights and Mens IM2 Eights narrowly missed out to making it into the final.
This weekend MIRC are off to Poplar Regatta at the Royal Albert Docks for more 2K multilane racing.
Laura Johnson
HORR Saturday 21st March and Vets HORR Sunday 22nd March 2009.
For the first time ever the Junior Squad entered the Head of the River Race (HORR). As Maidstone's second eight they started 219th on Saturday 21st March racing in the Senior 2 category. The event saw over 500 eights race from Mortlake to Putney on the River Thames and was the first time many of the crew had rowed the event. Over the four and a quarter mile course the crew over took 7 boats and caught another two. The crew came 40th overall in a time of 18:38.65 behind some of the worlds best athletes including those back from Beijing. The junior crew finished in the highest place the club has ever achieved and were the highest placed junior crew in the event. Well done to the whole crew and thanks to the parents and coaches who supported the crew during the day.
HORR Crew MIRC II (Bow to Stroke):-Sam Blackwell, Ben Farrar, Morgan Hellen, James Crumpton, Alex Torbica, Will Tew, Josh Pendry, Craig Turner, Cox - Ross Porter.
The senior men also entered a crew and came a respectable 213th with a time of 19:45.75.
HORR crew MIRC I (Bow to stroke) Cox: Alastair Cooper, Geraint Evans, James Knight, Stephen Slade, Mark Tomkins, William Purnell, Rich Ridgway, Guy Sticklee, Cox- Sue Mobbs.
On the Sunday, Maidstone Invicta were back up on the Thames again for the Vets Head of River Race. This time they entered 4 eights, 3 Mens crew and a women’s crew. With over 170 boats entering into the race our Vet A mens (6 + the cox had raced the previous day in the senior mens HORR) crew crossed the line in a time of 20:59.15, the 36th fastest time of the day, followed by our Vet D crew with a time of 22:03.26, Vet C,D,E Novice crew came home in a time of 23:09.08 and not far behind them was our women’s Vet B, with a time of 23:14.26.
Kate Beaumont and Laura Johnson
HORR Crew MIRC II (Bow to Stroke):-Sam Blackwell, Ben Farrar, Morgan Hellen, James Crumpton, Alex Torbica, Will Tew, Josh Pendry, Craig Turner, Cox - Ross Porter.
The senior men also entered a crew and came a respectable 213th with a time of 19:45.75.
HORR crew MIRC I (Bow to stroke) Cox: Alastair Cooper, Geraint Evans, James Knight, Stephen Slade, Mark Tomkins, William Purnell, Rich Ridgway, Guy Sticklee, Cox- Sue Mobbs.
On the Sunday, Maidstone Invicta were back up on the Thames again for the Vets Head of River Race. This time they entered 4 eights, 3 Mens crew and a women’s crew. With over 170 boats entering into the race our Vet A mens (6 + the cox had raced the previous day in the senior mens HORR) crew crossed the line in a time of 20:59.15, the 36th fastest time of the day, followed by our Vet D crew with a time of 22:03.26, Vet C,D,E Novice crew came home in a time of 23:09.08 and not far behind them was our women’s Vet B, with a time of 23:14.26.
Kate Beaumont and Laura Johnson
Womens Eights Head of the River Race. Saturday 7th March 2009.
The weekend of Saturday 7th March, Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club (MIRC) entered a Womens eight into the Womens Eight Head of River Race (WEHORR). The crew consisted of (from bow) Jo Sticklee, Katie Martin, Diane Hargan, Anne Salmon, Claire Torbica, Liz Bennett, Kate Povall, Liz Macham cox Sue Mobbs. This race takes place on the Thames, from Mortlake to Putney, a distance of 4 miles 374 yards and is the reverse course of the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race.
The MIRC ladies, were crew number 219 and they completed the course in 21min 37 seconds, coming in146th out of 300 eights entered.
WEHORR is a favoured event, with crews coming from all over Europe to compete and also includes international rowers competing for their clubs.
This weekend (Saturday 21st from 11:15am), is the mens turn to compete in the Head of River Race (HORR), which has over 400 entries. MIRC are entering 2 eight for this race, a Senior mens crew and a Junior crew. Then on the Sunday (22nd from 12:00pm) MIRC are entering 4 eights into the Vets head of River, one womens crew and 3 mens crews. Some of the Men who are participating in the Vets Head will have raced the day before. Both HORR and the Vets Head are taking the same course as WEHORR
Laura Johnson
The MIRC ladies, were crew number 219 and they completed the course in 21min 37 seconds, coming in146th out of 300 eights entered.
WEHORR is a favoured event, with crews coming from all over Europe to compete and also includes international rowers competing for their clubs.
This weekend (Saturday 21st from 11:15am), is the mens turn to compete in the Head of River Race (HORR), which has over 400 entries. MIRC are entering 2 eight for this race, a Senior mens crew and a Junior crew. Then on the Sunday (22nd from 12:00pm) MIRC are entering 4 eights into the Vets head of River, one womens crew and 3 mens crews. Some of the Men who are participating in the Vets Head will have raced the day before. Both HORR and the Vets Head are taking the same course as WEHORR
Laura Johnson
Medway Small Boats Head 22nd February 2009
On Sunday 22nd February, 103 boats from rowing clubs all over Kent and Sussex took part in the Medway Small Boats Head. Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club (MIRC) entered 28 boats from the Women’s, Men’s and Junior squad to compete over the 2.5km course, racing from just above Allington and finishing at the end of the town straight in Maidstone. The race was set out in three divisions with crews competing against the clock.
With a sunny start to the day, the BBQ was set up ready to feed the rowers and their avid supporter’s breakfast in anticipation of the first division starting at 9.30am. The clouds and winds appeared even more so for divisions two and three which commenced at 11.30 and 1.30, although this did not affect the crews storming down the river into the town.
The event was very successful for MIRC with a number of wins despite the majority of club members also marshalling the banks of the river and running the BBQ and tea stall throughout the day! The fastest four of the day was awarded to MIRC, the crew formed of Craig Turner, Chris Mollison, Stuart Hampshire and Alex Torbica coxed by Lauren Gilchrist, competing at S2 and had a fantastic row finishing completing the course in a time of 8.23. With the buzz of winning in the four, Mollison and Hampshire went on to win fastest double scull of the day.
Another win for MIRC men’s four in the S3 category and was celebrated by crew members Richard Ridgeway, Guy Sticklee, Geraint Evans and Alistair Cooper coxed by Sue Mobbs. A successful row was also completed by Guy Sticklee, Will Purnell, Geraint Evans and Alistair Cooper coxed by Zoe Chapman.
Members of the women’s 8 head crew were split into smaller boats for the race on Sunday and provide their hard work, both on land and on the water had paid off as the four lilac ladies that competed at senior 4, won their category in a time of 10.03, the crew featured Liz Macham, Kate Povall, Liz Bennett, Jo Sticklee and coxed by Laura McGrillen. With a slight change of crew members in the third division, Jo Sticklee swapping with Claire Torbica, coxed by Zoe Chapman, they also managed to win the women’s novice four event and completed the course in a time of 10.17.
Another win was for the men’s novice double scull, of Oliver Barton and Geraint Evans the knowledge of the home water enabled them to finish triumphantly in a time of 10.13.
The mixed double scull event had two husband and wife entrants from MIRC, the medals were awarded to Harry and Anne Salmon for successfully winning the category and completing the course in a time of 10.33.
A number of wins by the MIRC junior squad, rewards all their hard work with wins in the J18 pair, fastest junior double scull, fastest J15 quad, women’s J15 quad, women’s J14 quad and women’s J15 double scull so lots of medals to add to the trophy cabinets on Sunday evening.
The event was a very successful day and now brings the running total for MIRC club wins this year to 22 so far. If you are interested in finding out more about Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club please see our website at http://maidstoneinvictarowingclub.webs.com/index.htm
Laura McGrillen
With a sunny start to the day, the BBQ was set up ready to feed the rowers and their avid supporter’s breakfast in anticipation of the first division starting at 9.30am. The clouds and winds appeared even more so for divisions two and three which commenced at 11.30 and 1.30, although this did not affect the crews storming down the river into the town.
The event was very successful for MIRC with a number of wins despite the majority of club members also marshalling the banks of the river and running the BBQ and tea stall throughout the day! The fastest four of the day was awarded to MIRC, the crew formed of Craig Turner, Chris Mollison, Stuart Hampshire and Alex Torbica coxed by Lauren Gilchrist, competing at S2 and had a fantastic row finishing completing the course in a time of 8.23. With the buzz of winning in the four, Mollison and Hampshire went on to win fastest double scull of the day.
Another win for MIRC men’s four in the S3 category and was celebrated by crew members Richard Ridgeway, Guy Sticklee, Geraint Evans and Alistair Cooper coxed by Sue Mobbs. A successful row was also completed by Guy Sticklee, Will Purnell, Geraint Evans and Alistair Cooper coxed by Zoe Chapman.
Members of the women’s 8 head crew were split into smaller boats for the race on Sunday and provide their hard work, both on land and on the water had paid off as the four lilac ladies that competed at senior 4, won their category in a time of 10.03, the crew featured Liz Macham, Kate Povall, Liz Bennett, Jo Sticklee and coxed by Laura McGrillen. With a slight change of crew members in the third division, Jo Sticklee swapping with Claire Torbica, coxed by Zoe Chapman, they also managed to win the women’s novice four event and completed the course in a time of 10.17.
Another win was for the men’s novice double scull, of Oliver Barton and Geraint Evans the knowledge of the home water enabled them to finish triumphantly in a time of 10.13.
The mixed double scull event had two husband and wife entrants from MIRC, the medals were awarded to Harry and Anne Salmon for successfully winning the category and completing the course in a time of 10.33.
A number of wins by the MIRC junior squad, rewards all their hard work with wins in the J18 pair, fastest junior double scull, fastest J15 quad, women’s J15 quad, women’s J14 quad and women’s J15 double scull so lots of medals to add to the trophy cabinets on Sunday evening.
The event was a very successful day and now brings the running total for MIRC club wins this year to 22 so far. If you are interested in finding out more about Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club please see our website at http://maidstoneinvictarowingclub.webs.com/index.htm
Laura McGrillen
Docklands Head 02 November 2008
The winter training at Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club has been going very well over the last few months, both the ladies and the mens squad have committed to water outings and land based training in the mornings, evenings and weekends and are now training under their new coach Ray Cassidy.
On Sunday 2nd November three fours and two eights travelled to Docklands to compete in the first Head race of the season away from home water. The crews were set off and raced against the clock, making every stroke count over the 2750m course to ensure the best time possible for the crew.
The MIRC mens eight were the fastest boat of the day completing the course in a time of 9 mins and 20 seconds. The mens novice four also won their category completing the course in a time of 10.51.
The Womens S4 8+ were the fastest women’s boat and completed the course in an impressive time of 10.51.
All the Maidstone boats finished in the top 14 out of the 61 competitors on the day and now MIRC are looking forward to competing in the next race of the season.
Laura McGrillen
On Sunday 2nd November three fours and two eights travelled to Docklands to compete in the first Head race of the season away from home water. The crews were set off and raced against the clock, making every stroke count over the 2750m course to ensure the best time possible for the crew.
The MIRC mens eight were the fastest boat of the day completing the course in a time of 9 mins and 20 seconds. The mens novice four also won their category completing the course in a time of 10.51.
The Womens S4 8+ were the fastest women’s boat and completed the course in an impressive time of 10.51.
All the Maidstone boats finished in the top 14 out of the 61 competitors on the day and now MIRC are looking forward to competing in the next race of the season.
Laura McGrillen
National Championships, Nottingham. 18/19/20 July 2008
Crews from Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club also attended the National Championships held in Nottingham over the weekend and were also faced with bad conditions. A very heavy head wind slowed racing times drastically and in some cases caused crews to stop dead.
Hampshire and Mollison in their double came 3rd in the heat and were drawn against two top Leander crews, although fighting hard for a place in the final the two Leander crews came first and second. Hampshire and Mollison could still secure a place in the final by racing in the rep. The Maidstone crew had a very close, nail biting race and came second place by less than a second but nevertheless secured their place in the final.
The Maidstone crew knew they had to push hard in the final having met many of the opposition in the heats, they knew exactly what they were up against. After a good strong start the Maidstone double blasted off in second place out of six crews but the other crews slowly took water off Hampshire and Mollison and left them in last place 750m into the race. Not being phased the crew stuck to their race plan and by 1000m they had pulled back to 4th place, with 250m remaining the Maidstone crew powered for the finish and finished a very respectable 4th place.
All crews that have raced recently at Veterans Henley and National Championships proudly represented Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club and helped put Maidstone on the map.
Kate Beaumont
Hampshire and Mollison in their double came 3rd in the heat and were drawn against two top Leander crews, although fighting hard for a place in the final the two Leander crews came first and second. Hampshire and Mollison could still secure a place in the final by racing in the rep. The Maidstone crew had a very close, nail biting race and came second place by less than a second but nevertheless secured their place in the final.
The Maidstone crew knew they had to push hard in the final having met many of the opposition in the heats, they knew exactly what they were up against. After a good strong start the Maidstone double blasted off in second place out of six crews but the other crews slowly took water off Hampshire and Mollison and left them in last place 750m into the race. Not being phased the crew stuck to their race plan and by 1000m they had pulled back to 4th place, with 250m remaining the Maidstone crew powered for the finish and finished a very respectable 4th place.
All crews that have raced recently at Veterans Henley and National Championships proudly represented Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club and helped put Maidstone on the map.
Kate Beaumont
Veterans Henley 12 July 2008
Crews from both the ladies and the men’s squad represented the club at Veterans Henley. The crews raced over 1000m of the Royal Henley course. The weather on Friday for the men’s double scull was terrible with rain, wind and a fast flowing stream. Robin Chapman and James Knight, a very experienced crew were prepared for the challenge that lied ahead. With a blinding start the crew settled down into their race pace, focused only on their race plan. Their opposition, a composite crew from Ardingly, started to edge forward at the half way mark putting them slightly in the lead. Chapman and Knight fought hard to stay with the Ardingly crew but were defeated by 2 lengths overall but thoroughly enjoyed the race and their 2008 Henley experience.
The ladies double scull, Kate Povall and Liz Macham had better luck with the weather on Saturday and made their way up to the start in plenty of time. As Stolen Dreams made its way up to the start, through the wake of cruisers and umpire launches, around Temple Island they met with their opposition, a County of Avon/Globe composite crew. After a bit of banter, both crews made their way to the stake boats, the umpire sent them off and the Maidstone lilac ladies had a blistering start, taking some water off the opposition early on. After the crews had settled into their stride the Avon/Globe crew started to pull away.
Fighting through the strong winds made the middle part of the race a strong challenge for the Maidstone crew, the conditions differed greatly to those experienced on the Medway. Povall and Macham soon picked up when they heard the cheer for Maidstone from the bank. Rating at 34 Strokes per Minute at the half way, the Coach (Robin ‘the rowing tart’ Chapman), started to run along with the crew, encouraging them to drive it home. Maidstone dug deep and kept it technical but could not pull back the two length lead that remained from here until the finish.
Both crews slummed over the finish and congratulated each other. The Maidstone ladies obviously enjoyed the experience as they had vowed to make a return visit to Veterans Henley before they had even reached the landing stage after the race.
Laura McGrillen
The ladies double scull, Kate Povall and Liz Macham had better luck with the weather on Saturday and made their way up to the start in plenty of time. As Stolen Dreams made its way up to the start, through the wake of cruisers and umpire launches, around Temple Island they met with their opposition, a County of Avon/Globe composite crew. After a bit of banter, both crews made their way to the stake boats, the umpire sent them off and the Maidstone lilac ladies had a blistering start, taking some water off the opposition early on. After the crews had settled into their stride the Avon/Globe crew started to pull away.
Fighting through the strong winds made the middle part of the race a strong challenge for the Maidstone crew, the conditions differed greatly to those experienced on the Medway. Povall and Macham soon picked up when they heard the cheer for Maidstone from the bank. Rating at 34 Strokes per Minute at the half way, the Coach (Robin ‘the rowing tart’ Chapman), started to run along with the crew, encouraging them to drive it home. Maidstone dug deep and kept it technical but could not pull back the two length lead that remained from here until the finish.
Both crews slummed over the finish and congratulated each other. The Maidstone ladies obviously enjoyed the experience as they had vowed to make a return visit to Veterans Henley before they had even reached the landing stage after the race.
Laura McGrillen
Royal Henley Regatta 02-06 July 2008
On the 3rd July, two members from Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club (MIRC) Chris Mollison and Stuart Hampshire, took part in the very prestigious Henley Royal Regatta thanks to sponsorship from Right Management. Henley Royal Regatta is a major event attracting many rowing clubs both nationally and internationally. The regatta runs over five days and operates on a knock out draw with two boats racing side by side in each round. The crews race over a distance of 1 mile, 550 yards which is 112metres longer than the standard international distance of 2,000metres.
This year was the first time that MIRC had a full senior crew to represent the club at Henley Royal Regatta.
Chris Mollison and Stuart Hampshire competed in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup event racing against a composite crew, D.J.Lowe and T.W Hennessey, from Adelaide Rowing Club and Adelaide University Rowing Club. The Australian stroke man had just missed out on a place in the Australian International Rowing crew.
Their nerves were unfounded as Hampshire set a good rate throughout the race and Mollison steered a brilliant course. MIRC had a fantastic start and managed to push away from the other crew almost instantly and settle into their race pace, which kept them ahead of the competition up to the first marker point, the Barrier. At this point the opposition’s experience showed as they started to come through the Maidstone crew, though Maidstone were by no means off the pace as they continued to push hard to the line. MIRC stayed with their opposition until the last 750m when the Australians pulled away to win by 1 ¾ lengths. Maidstone finished in a time of 8.02 just two seconds behind the winners.
Hampshire and Mollison were very positive about their race and both very pleased with their efforts as were the Maidstone supporters and their coach Ray Cassidy . The crew now look forward to their next race at National Championships in Nottingham where they hope to win a medal in their double scull.
Laura McGrillen
This year was the first time that MIRC had a full senior crew to represent the club at Henley Royal Regatta.
Chris Mollison and Stuart Hampshire competed in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup event racing against a composite crew, D.J.Lowe and T.W Hennessey, from Adelaide Rowing Club and Adelaide University Rowing Club. The Australian stroke man had just missed out on a place in the Australian International Rowing crew.
Their nerves were unfounded as Hampshire set a good rate throughout the race and Mollison steered a brilliant course. MIRC had a fantastic start and managed to push away from the other crew almost instantly and settle into their race pace, which kept them ahead of the competition up to the first marker point, the Barrier. At this point the opposition’s experience showed as they started to come through the Maidstone crew, though Maidstone were by no means off the pace as they continued to push hard to the line. MIRC stayed with their opposition until the last 750m when the Australians pulled away to win by 1 ¾ lengths. Maidstone finished in a time of 8.02 just two seconds behind the winners.
Hampshire and Mollison were very positive about their race and both very pleased with their efforts as were the Maidstone supporters and their coach Ray Cassidy . The crew now look forward to their next race at National Championships in Nottingham where they hope to win a medal in their double scull.
Laura McGrillen