York-area crews won 12 of the 37 events the Yorkshire and Humberside Rowing Council's annual Head of the River Race at York.

A record entry tackled the 5,000 metre course from Poppleton to Lendal Bridge.

Morning crews had to battle against a strong head-wind and choppy water, but in the afternoon the wind changed to following, which made the times faster.

Aberdeen Boat Club's Senior 1 Eight took the Head pennant for the fastest crew of the day, clocking 14 minutes and 51 seconds. York City Rowing Club's Senior 1 Eight came second, 48 seconds behind.

York City scullers won seven events. Their Senior 1 Quad of Ian Hazel, Rob Drever Smith, George Scott and Ed Beddingfield clocked 17-34 for victory.

Sarah Whitwell and Jessica Knowles joined forces with two Newark scullers to win Women's Junior 16 Quad in 19-20. They also won Women's Junior 15 Double in 22-21.

Freya Porteous and Jenny Addison won Women's Junior 16 Double in 20-54. Caroline Jones and Charlotte Richer triumphed in the Women's Senior 3 Double in 19-29. Jones then went on to win Women's Senior 3 Single sculls and Richer the Women's Junior 16 Single.

Other local winscame from St Peter's School (Senior 4 Eights and Novice Eights), University of York (Senior 4 Coxed Four and Senior 3 Eights) and Ripon and York St John College (Women's Novice Fours).

The results were pleasing for YCRC junior girls as they were assessed for selection for the regional squad to take part in the Inter Regional Championships next month.

YCRC's Women's Eight had a wasted journey to London when the Women's Head of the River Race was cancelled.

Updated: 11:28 Wednesday, March 13, 2002