A Tale of Two Cities: South Yorkshire Head
City of Sheffield enjoyed a successful return to South Yorkshire Head in February, which is a Head Race organised and run by Doncaster RC and City of Sheffield RC. The squads were itching at the chance to compete against the best of the region, and took home a number of pots, including a win for both junior and senior women’s fours and the fastest time of the day set by the men’s eight.
With much of the winter season’s racing cancelled, the last time that many squads had been able to compete was Ancholme Head last October. Undaunted, the first crews lined up for Division 1 at 10.30, led by the men’s eight. Guided by some expert coxing from Tom Coles, the crew overtook their band 1 opposition, the University of York, and topped the timing sheets in a time of 14 minutes 58 seconds. Tom impressed the race commentator so much he was described as having 'clear prior knowledge of the course' as he took the perfect line past the boathouse, despite it being his first time on the Don!
Behind them, the women’s Masters quad of Vicky, Janet, Ellie and Sara beat their opposition from Bradford to win their category. The women’s band 1 coxed four, which included Lizzie, Umamah, Rosie, Elinor, and Olivia (cox)
took another victory in their category.
Victories continued in the afternoon division, with another women’s quad (the Master’s A quad of Meri, Mimi, Beth, and our superb Captain and bow steerer Cat) beating their opposition by two-and-a-half minutes even after the application of a handicap. The J18 women’s four won the band 2 fours category in a time just a second off the senior four’s from the morning. Special praise to the cox who enthusiastically jumped in the J18 four after having raced the morning in a single.
Robert Way proved that he is more than just a good coach by winning the Open Band 1 single sculls category, and the junior squad benefitted
from getting race experience at the local event.
South Yorkshire Head could not have been run without volunteer work from everyone in the club. Our members helped by taking on a range of different roles during each division, from marshalling, timing and launch driving, to running the race desk and assisting with boating/landing - all our members worked hard to make the day enjoyable for all involved. We are particularly grateful to Meri for working closely with Doncaster RC to organise and run SY Head this year. Thank you also to George for trailering, and Jodi for your fantastic
work with the juniors.
The men’s squad now move onto the Head of the River at the end of March, while all the squads are making plans for the Regatta season. In addition, our Captain Cat is hard at work organising this year’s training camp, which will be held in Chester this April. With the benefits of a strong Head season behind us, CSRC will be seeking success once again in the upcoming Regatta season.
Be sure to visit SI Events for more Race Day photos from our friend Lovely Richard!