Womens Head of the River - 1999

The 59th Annual Womens Head of the River Race was held at the weekend, over the 4.25 mile Boat Race course from Chiswick to Putney. Excellent rowing conditions resulted in fast times, and Bedford Rowing Club members responded to the challenge.

Rowing with five members of the GB national squad, Bedford oarswomen Caroline Kirman and Libby Henshilwood started second, behind a crew containing six GB atheletes. The two crews were the class of the 237 strong field, finishing over thirty seconds clear of the third fastest crew. Despite closing in the early stages of the race, the Bedford women finished second in a time of 18:41, only 8 seconds behind their rivals.

A 13th place finish for Sara Reay, rowing with the composite crew UK Gold, demonstrates their form is strong ahead of the veteran race in two weeks time, where they will defend their number one position.

The Bedford RC club eight raced at Senior 3 level, and finished 73rd overall, and second fastest club crew in their category, out of 27 competing crews. The crew of Sara Calderbank, Lydia Swift, Ruth Blair, Sam Hall, Claire Tyres, Wendy Rodenburg, Rachel Hunt, Soraiya Mitchel and cox Alison Faiers were the fastest provincial club crew.

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