Two WEHORR pennants

After a hard winter’s training but little chance to race, the women’s squad were keen to show the world their speed at the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race 2024 on Saturday 2 March.

In an impressive display on home water, Thames boated six eights - the most of any club and a real testament to our volunteer coaches. Sadly the masters women, having not had much chance to race recently, were one of the many crews to be withdrawn due to the race running under yellow flag conditions.

The results produced were arguably the best ever in terms of the depth of the squad. The 1st 8 finished third behind Leander A and Oxford Brookes University A, winning the club pennant for the first time since 2014. The 2nd 8 were eighth and won the senior pennant; the first win in this category since 2013, and the first time in years that the club has had two crews in the top 10.

The 3rd 8 were 14th, the 4th 8 18th, and the 5th 8 21st. The 6th 8, racing with a largely scratch line-up due to a few late injuries in the squad, showed spirit to finish 123rd.

Putting two crews in the top 10 and five in the top 21 is a reflection of the hard work and talent of the squad of women combining full time jobs with their training. It is also a reflection of the calibre of the women’s squad coaching team, most of whom have full time jobs too.

Many thanks to WEHORR for putting on such a well-run event in uncertain circumstances.