First attempt win for beginners at Cambridge Winter League

Bibi Grobarova, Kat Harris, Caroline Murden and Valya Malyarova, coxed here by Rachel Tackley, won their category at this year’s Cambridge Winter League.

Some members of our 2015-16 beginners group have tasted victory at their first attempt at competitive rowing.

Nearly the entire group entered this year’s Cambridge Winter League, and both the women’s and men’s 4x+ crews won their categories – although not enough clubs entered for organisers to present them with any well-earned trophies.

The women’s crew comprising Bibi Grobarova, Kat Harris, Caroline Murden and Valya Malyarova won with a combined time of 41 mins 31 secs, making them the third-fastest women’s 4x+ crew in any category. The men’s crew included Steve Taylor, Rob Stirling, Dave Cullen and Stuart Fleet and had a combined time of 40 mins 04 secs.

Other members of the beginners group teamed up with senior members to form a men’s Nov 8+; victory escaped them on this occasion but – like the winning crews – they showed huge improvements as the three-month league progressed.

All the crews were helped along the way by various coxes, including Chris Leaf, Rachel Tackley, Hannah Towns, Jaione Echeveste and Martin Lycett.

“Well done to everyone in the group who took part,” said learn-to-row co-ordinator Alistair Mackie. “The Cambridge Winter League is always a good testing ground for new rowers. It has really increased the appetite of everyone who took part to now push on and hopefully achieve more success at regattas later this year.”