Christ Church Women’s First Eight win first ever Headship
We are delighted that Christ Church Boat Club Women's First Eight (W1) have won their first ever Head of the River!
This achievement builds on the achievements of many past rowers, coxes, coaches, and supporters and whilst W1 are the stars of this year's VIIIs campaign, it has been an incredible year for all our crews.
They are identifiable on the river not only by the dark blue they wear with pride, but by their unwavering strength, dedication, and camaraderie.
The W1 crew was:
Cox - Anna Betteridge
Stroke - Juliet Russell
7 - Laurel Kaye
6 - Kate Friesen
5 - Anina Koehler
4 - Lidia Berthon
3 - Bessie O’Dell
2 - Holly Haines
Bow - Linnea Drexhage
Report on Summer VIIIs 2023 by Ayman D'Souza, Boat Club President
Despite rowing long and strong, the Women's 3rd boat (W3) (63 --> 66) were caught up to by some rapid crews including a blades-winning Peters W2. These rowers have, however, exemplified the hard work and unity that bonds a Christ Church Boat Club crew, and finished Eights ranked 66th overall, the third highest W3 behind Wolfson and Univ. We look forward to them coming back even harder and faster in 2024.
W2 (37 --> 34) had an incredible week, bumping three days back to back. But, they had their blades snatched away from them at the last minute as they chased St Antony’s W1 right down to the wire on Saturday afternoon. Good crews go +3, lucky crews get blades – unfortunately our W2 were the former. They finish ranked an excellent 34th overall, and as second highest W2 (with the highest W2 fast-falling from above!).
M2 (26 --> 28) found themselves as the first slice of bread in a tantalising 3-boat sandwich on the final day, being chased by Corpus Christi M1 who themselves were hotly pursued by Pembroke M2. The crew held off Corpus to put in a strong row over, and end Eights as the second highest M2 boat, in 28th place.
M1 (2 --> 2) put in a strong effort to walk on Oriel, but the age-old rivals evaded us this time. Men’s 1st Division ended with all top 8 crews rowing over, and a strong display of the health and strength of College Rowing.
W1 (2 --> 1) were of course the highlight of the week, and sealed the deal on our first ever Women’s Headship on Saturday evening, rowing over with lengths of clear water.
Our women won in effortless style, and the club could not be prouder of the crew for bringing home our second Headship this year.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W3 | --> | -1 | -1 | -1 | -3 |
| W2 | +1 | +1 | +1 | --> | +3 |
| M2 | --> | -1 | -1 | --> | -2 |
| W1 | +1 | --> | --> | --> | +1 |
| M1 | --> | --> | --> | --> | --> |
Christ Church Boat Club Women's First Eight (W1)