England wins Home International Rowing Beach Sprints trophy for the first time

September 30, 2024

The host nation took the Guin Batten Beach Sprint Trophy with four stunning wins at the third Home International Rowing Beach Sprints (HIRBS), in Bournemouth on 28 September 2024

Photo: James Andrews

The four traditional home nations — England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales — were once again joined by Jersey, which competed for individual medals rather than the team trophy. As the beach sprint format is now officially part of the Olympic cycle, all nations are focusing on developing their pathway teams to support rowers in preparation for the Los Angeles 2028.

With beautiful, calm conditions, the morning began with time trials and repechages for the seven events. These were followed by the semifinals and finals.

England’s first win of the day came in the Junior Mixed Doubles (CJMix 2x), where Zara Gray (Lymington ARC) and Madoc Gundry (Lea RC) secured victory over Ireland by eight seconds.

Coastal mixed double heading out towards buoys

England’s winning CJMix2x. Photo: James Andrews.

In the Under 23 Mixed Double (U23 CMix 2x), a new category for this year, the England boat featured two alumni from the GB Beach Sprint team, James Cox (Agecroft RC/Queen’s Park Chester RC), the 2022 Under 19 Solo silver medalist, and Isabel Lancaster (Reading University BC/Bradford ARC), the 2023 Under 19 Mixed Double gold medalist. Despite a shaky start in the time trial when Isabel’s seat came off after the entry, the crew still finished with the fastest time. After a comfortable win in the semifinal against Ireland, they faced Wales in the final, winning by 12 seconds.

England, winners of the U23 CMix 2x. Photo: James Andrews.

In the Senior Mixed Double (CMix2x), Scotland claimed their only win of the day. The Scottish duo of Gregor Hall (Stirling RC, Commonwealth 2022 Men’s Solo gold medalist) and Megan Hewison (Leander Club, Home International Rowing Regatta gold medalist in 2018 and GB Junior Worlds rower in 2019), triumphed over newcomers Emma Sherwood (Leander Club) and Sam O’Conner (Tynemouth RC) in a close final, with under than three seconds separating the two boats.

2 Scottish scullers being presented with medals

Scotland, winners of the CMix2x. Photo: James Andrews.

The solo events began with Ireland’s E. O’Connell claiming a comfortable victory over Scotland’s Scott MacCallum (Stirling RC) in the Junior Men’s Solo (CJM1x). In the Women’s Junior Solo (CJW1x), England’s Olivia Hodgson (Royal Grammar School Worcester BC) defeated Scotland’s Isabel Soyinka (Clydesdale ARC), with Olivia’s win ensuring that England’s Junior Women remained undefeated in 2024 across both Home International Rowing competitions.

Junior beach sprint sculler sprinting down beach

Olivia Hodgson (England), winner of the CJW1x. Photo: James Andrews.

In the Senior Solo events, the Women’s Solo (CW1x) final saw Thea Adamson (The University of Western Australia BC), representing Wales, face reigning HIRBS Champion Natacha Searson (Jersey RC), representing Jersey. After a strong start from both rowers, Natacha pulled ahead to hit the buzzer first by nine seconds. This victory continued her recent winning streak, following her recent gold medal at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in the PR3 Mixed Ability Double with Colin Wallace.

Natacha Searson (Jersey), winner of CW1x. Photo: James Andrews.

The final event of the day was the Men’s Solo (CM1x), where England Captain Hal Flowerdew (Tynemouth RC), competing for England for the third time, faced Scotland’s William Lawson (University of St Andrews BC). After a tight race, with both boats neck and neck at the turn buoy, Hal managed to pull out a lead on the return leg, finishing seven seconds ahead of William to secure England’s fourth and final victory of the day.

England’s Captain Hal Flowerdew celebrated a historic achievement as he secured England’s first individual Men’s Gold at a Beach Sprint competition (Commonwealth or Home International). Reflecting on the victory, he said, “It was a great honour to lead this year’s England team to a hard-fought victory for the overall team trophy. The team truly came together, supporting each other every step of the way. The atmosphere was electric, with every athlete pushing hard to earn every crucial point.”

England and Scotland at the start of the CM1x final. Photo: James Andrews.

Rachael Ball, England Team Manager, said, “Congratulations to the team for some amazing racing today – thrills, spills, and all! “The atmosphere in Bournemouth was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many parents volunteering to help with the event. Every team member has been an asset and a delight. The team’s success today wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s hard work, so thank you for your time and energy!”

England Pathway Manager James Andrews added, “The results in Bournemouth have been a fantastic end to the season for the England Rowing team, who became the first nation to hold all five Home International Rowing Trophies.”