Fours Head Race Report
Leander Club delivered a commanding performance at this year’s Fours Head, securing five victories from the six Championship events and only narrowly missing out on a complete sweep by the tightest of margins. With World medallists, Henley finalists, and rising squad athletes across the line-ups, the Club demonstrated exceptional depth and momentum heading into the winter season.
Women’s Squad
Championship Women’s Quads (4x–) – Winners
Bow: Sarah McKay, 2: Hannah Scott, 3: Rebecca Wilde, Stroke: Lola Anderson (World Silver medallists)
A technically sharp and composed display secured Leander a decisive win. Anderson’s world-level experience set the tone, supported by Scott’s proven speed and Wilde and McKay’s power to move cleanly through the field.
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Bow: Rosa Thompson, 2: Rachel Aldridge, 3: Izzy Sellers (Henley Wargrave finalist), Stroke: Lucy Thompson
A strong performance from a younger crew, building on their Henley and summer racing form.
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Championship Women’s Coxless Fours (4–) – Winners
Bow: Cam Nyland, 2: Lauren Irwin, 3: Juliette Perry, Stroke: Eleanor Brinkhoff (World Bronze medallist)
A dominant row from a highly experienced unit. Brinkhoff brought international composure to the stroke seat, with Irwin contributing powerful rhythm and Nyland and Perry delivering strong length and precision.
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Bow: Phoebe Snowden, 2: Olivia Del Castillo, 3: Abi Topp, Stroke: Liv Caesar (Henley Wargrave finalist)
This crew produced one of the standout supporting performances of the day, finishing close behind their top-ranking teammates and reinforcing the depth in the women’s sweep squad.
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Championship Women’s Coxed Fours (4+) – Winners
Cox: Jack Tottem (World Bronze medallist), Bow: Lizzie Witt, 2: Georgie Robinson-Ranger, 3: Katherine George, Stroke: Lauren Carey
Tottem’s world-level coxing experience was clear as the crew delivered a confident, well-executed row, handling the conditions superbly and taking another Championship title.
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Cox: George Farthing (Henley Wargrave finalist), Bow: Daisy Jackson, 2: Annica Ford, 3: Jordan Kingston (Henley Wargrave finalist), Stroke: Charlotte Fennell (Henley Wargrave finalist)
A cohesive performance from an experienced group with proven Henley pedigree.
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Men’s Squad
Championship Men’s Coxless Fours (4–) – Winners
Bow: Dan Graham, 2 James Robson, 3 Douwe de Graaf, Stroke George Bourne (current World Champions)
A composed, ruthless execution from a crew stacked with international athletes. Bourne’s world-class leadership at stroke kept the boat controlled and efficient throughout, delivering a clear Championship win.
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Bow: Bob Bryden, 2: Alex Abuhof, 3: Ben Newton, Stroke: Levin Graf
Bow: Calum Jenkins, 2: Robbie Prosser, 3: George Reed, Stroke: Ben Brockway
Both supporting crews delivered strong performances in a highly competitive field.
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Championship Men’s Quads (4x–) – Winners
Bow: Cedol Dafydd (World Silver medallist), 2: Jamie Gare, 3: Tobias Schroder, Stroke: Rory Harris (World Silver medallist)
This quad combined high-level international experience with raw speed, producing one of the most convincing wins of the day. Dafydd and Harris brought their world-stage pedigree, with Schroder and Gare adding sharpness and stability through the middle of the race.
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Bow: Joe Cunliffe, 2: Oliver Costley, 3: Alex King, Stroke: James Cartwright
A strong supporting performance, showcasing promising depth in the men’s sculling pathway.
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Championship Men’s Coxed Fours (4+) – 2nd Place – Narrowly Missed the Win
Cox: Erin Kennedy, Bow: Jack Prior, 2: Josh Bowesman-Jones, 3: Miles Beeson (World Silver medallist), Stroke: Archie Drummond (World Silver medallist)
In the only Championship event Leander did not win, the crew produced a fierce and committed race. With three World Silver medallists aboard and Kennedy’s elite coxing experience, they pushed right to the line, finishing just shy of victory by the smallest margin of the day.
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Summary
Leander Club’s overall performance:
🏆 5 Championship Wins
🥈 1 runner-up by a razor-thin margin
A powerful statement from both squads, reaffirming the Club’s exceptional strength and depth across all boat classes as the winter racing season continues.
Photos thanks to AllMarkOne
