The North of England Sprint Rowing Championships

The North of England Sprint Rowing Championships

11 More Image(s) In Gallery

Scroll down for Video

Hollingworth Lake played host to the North of England Sprint Rowing Championships today (Saturday 7 September) inviting rowers from all over the North to the lake.

The first race was at 8:01am and saw rowers competing on a three laned 500m course.

Rowers from Hollingworth Lake took to the lake today. Harriett Jackson, Jess Pilkington, Sophie Webb, Sally Tisdale, Hannah Lowe and Molly Archbold have all been rowing for one year.

Sally said: “I think the adrenaline will keep us going.”

Jess added: “I’m excited but nervous at the same time.”

The girls have been training for the event for a month, four times a week at Hollingworth Lake.

“It’s nice because we’re at home” said Hannah.

Steve Forshaw from Mersey Rowing Club started his day at 04:45am and said: “I’m feeling cold but mildly confident.” Steve and his team have competed in similar races before. “We won the last event we were at so we’re looking to carry that on today,” added Steve.

Alison Brighton, a singles rower talked about her nerves before a race. “I get really nervous before I race” she said.

Alison has been racing for thirteen years and hoped the nerves disappeared as she reached the finish line.

North Staffs Rowing Club travelled from Staffordshire for the championships. Lizzie Binns has been rowing for four years. James Binns, Tony Dunn and Nathan Tony have all been rowing for two years and have each competed in similar competition before.

“I’m nervous but excited,” said Nathan.

Lizzie added: “I’ve done a few of these before so I’m not too nervous today.”

The event has become one of the largest one day sprint rowing events in the country providing competitors with a range of single, double, quad sculls, 4’s, 8’s and pairs races.

Kaya Saccheri and Gemma Lowe were at the competition from Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club. Kaya has been rowing for 11 months and said: “I’ve never done three lane racing before so that’s new.”

Kaya competed in the indoor championships recently and came second and hopes to beat her opponent from that race today. “I’m confident but the person who beat me last time is here so I’m looking to come first this time.”

Gemma has only been rowing for six months and wasn’t feeling nervous before her race.

The championships are organised by Hollingworth Lake rowing club who also helped support the event today.

Results: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/82403/the-north-of-england-sprint-rowing-championships-results