Gold Medals at the National Schools Regatta
The National Schools Regatta is the biggest single event of each year for school age rowers. It is run over three days with 3,500 competitors in all age groups and disciplines.
This year was to see Oundle’s first win at the competition since 1999, and the first victory for a senior boys' crew since 1993.
With 21 entries in the Fours Cup Competition, Oundle School Boat Club fielded two Senior boys coxed fours on Saturday 26th May, and with only the fastest 12 crews qualifying, both Oundle crews successfully made it through to the semi-finals.
The 2nd 4 IV (Hector Laing (S), Thomas Woods (Sc), Will Lavender (StA), Toby Baker (G) and cox Matthew Thomas (Ldr)) found the competition much harder in the second semi final, which was dominated by Kingston Grammar School and two Schools from Scotland. Despite a spirited performance, which saw them hold off RGS Worcester, Oundle finished in fifth place, not quite enough to make it to the final.
The 1st IV (Richard Aked (F), Tom Miller (Ldr), Tom Rylands (C), Adam Smith (F), and cox Celeste Green (D)) won their heat comfortably, and were placed second fastest behind Kingston Grammar as they qualified for the final.
In the final, Oundle made an explosive start, and by the 1000 m mark had increased their lead to one length, ultimately taking the gold medal by two lengths. The Fours Cup and their medals were presented to the crew by Sir Matthew Pinsent in front of gathered parents, staff and coaches.