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On Sunday 18th, the squad completed some training pieces against Durham University. With super sub Cassie from the womens' squad, and coxed by Ashley Hewitt, the girls swapped their singles for an eight, and after some initial confusion about the lack of two blades, took to the water.

The pieces were quite eventful, as it turns out going three abreast through a sailing race doesn't go down very well, and with all three crews doing their best to turn rowing into a contact sport. Credit to Laura, who whilst maybe not always getting her blade in the water whilst clashing, definitely went for the 'grip harder and keep rowing' attitude. A shortened course kept the sailors happy, and allowed all three boats to get some good racing in, although the Nottingham crew felt slightly ganged up on when the two durham boats squeezed in so we were clashing blades on both sides-at least we will be ready for any clashes on the tideway in March! Some really close racing kept all three boats honest through the pieces, whilst Nottingham were kept happy with a win in all three pieces.

No more events are on the horizon for this year - Happy Christmas and bring on 2012!
Five athletes travelled to Boston to race over 5km on the river Witham against the clock. The December assessment is the first chance that athletes looking to break into the squad are able to guage their speed against current squad members, and impress the squad coaches, so the importance of a good performance was not underestimated. Luckily the heavy winds that were forecast did not materialise, but were replaced with freezing cold conditions and 'wintery showers'.

All athletes were racing as lightweights in the second division, after illness ruled both Laura and Pippa out of the chance to compete at these trials. After a tight finish in the first assessment in October, not only a good finish position but Trenside bragging rights were up for grabs. Ed came out on top, finishing 9th U23, and 25th overall. He was closely followed by Stu just under 3 seconds behind in 27th place and 11th U23, whilst Rich was 12 seconds behind this.

Racing for the lightweight women, in a race won by Sophie Hosking pushing current World U23 Champion and World Best Time holder Kat Copeland in second were Nikki and Yaz. Nikki came 9th overall, and 4th fastest athlete eligible for the World University Games. Yaz continued her good progress within the U23 squad, coming 15th and 5th U23 athlete, putting her firmly in contention for a place in the team in the summer.

The next focus will be February trials held over 2km at the Olympic Rowing Venue of Dorney Lake. Despite the good results, the squad will continue to train hard over the Christmas period in an effort to move up the rankings and secure their place in the GB team for the summer.
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