The bragging rights for The North of England Sprint Rowing Championships 2009, held by Hollingworth Lake Row ing Club on Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, go to Liverpool Victoria who return to Merseyside with the Senior Victor Ladorum prize of £1000 for the second year in succession. Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club, although not eligible for the prize money finished as runners up.

The Junior prize of £750 went to Queens Park High School of Chester, our congratulations go to all who took part and made it such a great Sprint Championships once again.

Action from the North of England Sprint Rowing Championships

The Sprint Championships, organised by Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club have become one of the largest in the Country, this year was no exception as crews from as far afield as Cambridge to Newcastle competed in over 11 hours of racing in 71 different categories, from Junior 13 to Veteran G, (Veteran G competitors are in the age range of 65 -70 years) and from elite to veteran novice crews.

The race of the day had to be between Mr Jones of York City Veteran G. (65-70 age range) and Mr Pickles of Tees Rowing Club Veteran F. (60-65 age range) Mr Jones from York City coming out on top in a competitive race.

Both Manchester & Salford University powered through their heats to reach the final of the IM3 4+ with Manchester University taking the honours over their close rivals.

Callum Boardman Hollingworth Lake Novice 1 x Winner with Tankard

There were the coveted men’s novice single scull wins for Callum Boardman of Hollingworth Lake and Agecroft’s Rosy Klinkenberg took the women’s prize. Th e event was attended by the Mayor & Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift and Sue Etchells and Littleborough Councillor Pauline Maguire who all commented that it was a fantastic event for the area.

The Mayor & Mayoress of Rochdale present Agecroft Klinkenberg with her Novice Tankard

The day started out cold, wet and misty but that didn’t dampen the spirits of all involved, including the club members and parents who made the event possible by giving up their day to help out and competitors who continue to make the North of England Sprint Rowing Championships the best in the Country. With special thanks to the Sailing Club, The Water Activity Centre, Littleborough Rugby Club, Littleborough Police and the Sea Cadets for their support throughout the day.

We look forward to our next events, the English Indoor Rowing Championships 2010 at the National Cycling Centre (NCC) in Manchester and the North of England Sprint Rowing Championships 2010, held on Hollingworth Lake.