COLETS KEEP GRIP ON SURREY CUP.

A reshuffled Thames RC first eight took to the water last Saturday to defend their title to the Women's Head of the River. With Annamarie Stapleton back in for the first time, just six weeks after giving birth, plus last year's four gold medallist Libby Henshilwood in the bows they were given a severe test by Marlow.

International women's coach Mike Spracklen had assembled the Marlow eight only one week earlier, putting ex-Cambridge president Sarah Winckless, who has returned to Twickenham for work, in the five seat with the remaining three of last year's gold medal four around her.

By the middle of Corney Reach there was only a quarter-length between the two boats. Thames' coxswain Suzie Ellis proclaimed: "If they think they're going to catch us, they've got another think coming!" but Marlow were unstoppable, first driving the bow ball under seven's rigger, then pulling around into the lead after Hammersmith Bridge.

Spracklen was critical of Ellis, accusing her of jamming on the rudder and not giving her crew the best water. "I find it funny that Mike should criticise somebody for trying to race hard," responded Thames' coach Ian Shore, who cycled alongside Spracklen the length of the course. "Her steering was aggressive, and there was no criticism from the crew." Both crews were penalised for steering, with Marlow clocking 18 minutes 28 seconds to Thames' 18: 44.

Cambridge University went off third and were soon left behind, but managed ninth fastest and the University pennant. Kingston RC accelerated all the way down the course despite the savage wind and a time penalty to claim the Senior 1 pennant as third fastest.

Imperial College/Queens Tower, Thames B, Upper Thames and Kingston B were next. Thames D won Senior 2. Lady Eleanor Holles, finishing 19th, took the Junior pennant from Haberdashers' Monmouth who were caught by a massive squall which dashed the hopes of those who started in the middle of the order.

In the Schools' Head on Monday, Holles won again. Hampton and St Pauls were both outpaced by St Edward's and Abingdon. King's College School, Wimbledon's quad was pipped by Wycliffe, but their J14s topped the octuples. Westminster, with Ben Jesty at stroke, won coxed fours.

The Kingston Head goes off at 2pm tomorrow, finishing above the bridge this year.

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