3 SHANKLIN SANDOWN ROWERS REACH NATIONAL SCHOOLS REGATTA FINALS

Competing in the biggest elite Junior rowing event in the country at the Olympic venue Dorney Lake, 3 Shanklin Sandown Rowing club members enjoyed great success in the National Schools Regatta.

With 30-45 crews contesting most events, the NSR forms part of the ‘grand slam’ for rowers, in the run up to Henley and the British Championships.

Supported by the Isle of Wight Talented Athlete Programme, Ethan Walters (Championship Quad scull) and Kayleigh Batchelor (Championship women’s Single scull), reached the A and B final respectively.

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Rachael Debenham, following 18 months of injury, returned to great form to beat 12 competitors in a gruelling time trial, to make the D final of the W18 Championship singles. Giving a steely performance amongst close racing, Rachael pushed relentlessly for a well-deserved 2nd place.

Following a tight semi-final in the same category, teammate Kayleigh managed 2nd place in the B final: a remarkable achievement considering she produced the fastest last 500m out of the entire field and is still only 16 years old.

Ethan, rowing for Hartpury College Rowing Academy in the Quadruple sculls, cruised through the time trial and semi to finish 5th in one of the tightest A finals of the day,

The great performances all round bode well for Henley Royal Regatta later this month and the British Junior Championships in July.

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