Hereford eights test themselves at Women's Head of the River on Thames Tideway course (From Hereford Times)

Hereford eights test themselves at Women's Head of the River on Thames Tideway course

3:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport

Two women’s eights from Hereford Rowing Club have been testing themselves against the best in the country at the Women’s Head of the River Race on the Thames Tideway course.

The Hereford Novice ladies crew, many of whom only finished their Learn to Row course last year, belied their inexperience in finishing 209th out of a total of 303 boats competing in 21.41.04.

This eight was stroked by Linda Willimont and coxed by daughter Chloe.

The more experienced Hereford WIM2 crew finished 224 in 21.53.83.

Many of the men’s squad travelled to London to support the ladies and took the opportunity to race the next day at the Hammersmith Head race.

Two Hereford eights took part, in very rough conditions, finishing 54th and 69th out of 98 crews.

This was good practice for the prestigious men’s Head of the River race on March 23.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the novice men’s eight, who only completed their learn to row course last year, raced at Gloucester Head and were the fastest crew in the morning division.