Parsonage becomes Norfolk Scull Champion

107 fine boats from around the region raced on the river Yare on Saturday, competing for the prestigious Norfolk Scull Shield.

Stephen Parsonage from Poringland and a member of Norwich Rowing Club won the 4.8 km race in the fastest time of 15.43 minutes in a single scull. Up against some stiff competition from home and visiting rowing clubs, Parsonage put in an impressive performance – even beating the time of Norwich Rowing Club’s veteran Masters sculler and gold medal winner Vigi Audinis.

Stephen, 17, who is studying further mathematics, physics and general engineering at Notre Dame also won the fastest Junior Trophy. The Norfolk Scull Shield was presented to Stephen in a ceremony held at the Norwich Rowing Club.

“The Shield had been awarded to some prolific rowers since 1958,” said Club Chairman Nick Francis, “one of which had won the Shield at least eight times during the late 50’s and early 60’s. Our congratulations go to Stephen, who is certainly one to watch in the future and we are proud that he represents our club.”   

In total, 11 out of 22 races were won by Norwich Rowing Club members split between two courses – long and short (2.8km) across two divisions. Other successful club winners included Essex University, Lea Rowing Club, Sudbury, St Ives, Deben, Yare, Broadland, Kings School Ely and a single Masters sculler representing the RAF.

Julie Broadley

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