UNDER cloudless blue skies, three crews totalling 15 women and one lone man represented York City Rowing Club at Henley Women's Regatta this weekend.

The women's eight consisting of Stephanie Gant, Jenny Addison, Sarah Barker, Catherine Smith, Sarah Oram, Katherine McDonough, Susie Grindley, Jessica Chard and cox Kelly Barker were unfortunate in the first round to be drawn against Thames 'A' (winners of club eights for the past five years and holders of the course record).

The York City crew gave a solid performance but could not match the speed of the Thames crew.

In the club fours, the crew of Amanda Lockley (women's captain) Becci Raines, Becci Harland, Kate Flemming and cox Sean Stephenson were out-rowed by Tideway Scullers although it was the fastest heat of the day.

The junior double of Jessica Knowles and Freya Porteous sculled against Headington School.

The York crew had an excellent start, but were overhauled by the Headington crew and finally lost by two lengths.

The York contingent was delighted to meet up with two former YCRC Juniors who have continued their rowing, which they started on the Ouse, into their time at university.

Freya Porteous met up with sister Morven Porteous, who has been selected for the Oxford University Development Squad preparing for next year's University Boat Race and on this occasion was rowing for Oxford for the first time.

Although Morven did not win she was delighted with the announcement of her election as captain of rowing for her college.

Caroline Jones, another of last year's York City junior squad, was also proud to be rowing at Henley for Durham University after being selected for their highly-ranked first eight.

Although no prizes were gained at this prestigious regatta the crews represented the city well and it is hoped that the men's squad will be able to qualify for Henley Royal in two weeks time.

Meanwhile, despite the clashing of dates with Henley and Marlow Regattas, York City Rowing Club held their own successful Summer Regatta.

The York oarsmen had their share of successes over the 1,000 metre course.

In the small boats section, Ian Hazell deservedly won the men's novice single scull in a head to head with fellow club member Steven Gaudening.

Junior Madeline Taylor teamed up with senior member Philippa Earle to win the final of the novice double sculls and by so doing they both lost their novice status.

Charlotte Richer and Anna Skillbeck were successful in their newly formed partnership in the women's senior three double sculling event.

Richer and men's captain Dan Beaumont threw their lot together to cruise into a win against Leeds University in the mixed doubles event.

Katherine Fowler and Emily Shaw (under 13 years of age) won their first ever race over 500 metres against an equally young Bradford crew.

On the men's side, the senior three coxed four, comprising Lyons, Butler, Potter and Blissett, beat Sheffield and City of Sheffield in an exciting final.

The senior two coxed four, of Scott, Drever-Smith, Goldsborough and Goodall, were successful in acquiring themselves some silverware to take home in a battle against York University.

The men's eight of Scott, Drever-Smith, Potter, Blissett, Goldsborough, Wire, Lyons and Butler beat St Aiden's College in commanding fashion.

All the men's crews were coxed by hard working Rowena Smith.

York City are on the look-out for young people who might have an interest in learning to steer a boat.

Anyone interested should contact Caroline Sherlock on 01653 618310.

Updated: 09:53 Thursday, June 26, 2003