Private School News

Thames Ditton Regatta success for Shiplake College

Shiplake College’s J14 octos had an excellent day, amongst the squally showers, at the Thames Ditton Regatta. The J14B octo put in a very strong performance and received a lot of acclaim on the day from onlookers. They convincingly beat Whitgift School in the first round and then drew Kingston Grammar School A crew in the Semi Final. Unfortunately they lost but not without a fight and they maintained good style and determination throughout the race.

The J14A octo were a true credit to the College. The timetable was very drawn out with 3 races set over 8 hours but the young rowers maintained their concentration and focus throughout a long day, looking well-turned out too.

In the first round they dominated Tiffin A and took an easy victory. In the Semi-Final they drew a very strong crew from Dulwich College. They soon realised that Dulwich were not going to be an easy adversary to beat and yet the boys rose to the challenge with both crews level down the whole course. A final burst from Shiplake guided them to victory by a canvas.

In the final Shiplake drew St George’s College, second-placed crew at the Schools’ Head. Again the boys realised this would be tough and again they raised their game. They produced a spectacular race to beat St George’s by half a length, resisting an impressive push from St George’s in the final 100m. To quote the commentator, ‘the St George’s crew looked incredibly good; but the Shiplake crew looked exceptional’. The boys have won their first ever rowing pot and have had a confidence boost for National Schools Regatta at Nottingham.