A Gold Medal and Final Performances at Royal Canadian Henley for Silver Lake Crews

Thirteen rowers represented Norfolk and Haldimand well at the 125^th annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catharines during a full week of competition against crews drawn from across North America and Mexico. Out of sixteen entries, seven crews advanced to the semi-finals and four to the finals including Laura Fisher who captured gold. According to coach Susan Fairley, four other Silver Lake crews narrowly missed advancing to the semi-finals. “We were very pleased with the performance of all our rowers. They all deserve to be proud of what they accomplished at an event that represents one of the highest levels of rowing competition in North America.”

Amongst a field of over 40 entries, Laura Fisher won her heat and semi-final to qualify for the final in the 2000 meter Senior B Women’s Single event. In the final, Fisher led all the way with Caitlin Pauls of Ridley Boat Club challenging for the lead in the final 500 meters. However, Fisher held on to win by just over a second in an exciting finish. Laura Fisher also advanced to the finals in the Senior Women’s Single 500 meter dash where she placed fifth.

Amongst a field of over 30 entries, the Junior Men’s Quad of Terry Lovegrove, Ian Edwards, Tyler Wilson and Robbie Puddy placed first in their heat and third in the semi-final to advance to the final where they placed sixth. Robbie Puddy also advanced to the final in the Junior Men’s Single event by placing first in his heat and semi-final in a field of over 60 entries. In an exciting final, Puddy placed fifth with less than four seconds separating second, third, fourth and fifth place finishers.

Also representing the Silver Lake Rowing Club at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta were Hannah Anderson and Samy Fairley who advanced to the semi-finals in the Junior Women’s Pair and Junior Women’s Double categories as did Liam Ardiel in the Junior B Men’s Single event. Narrowly missing qualification to the semi-finals were Ross Fairley in the Senior B Men’s Single, Scott Fairley and Liam Ardiel in the Junior B Men’s Double, JJ Ferrier and Tyler Wilson in the Junior Men’s Pair as well as Kelsea Parker in the Junior B Women’s Single. Parker also combined with Chantelle LeMoine in the Junior Women’s Double event.

The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta represents the end of the competitive rowing season for the Silver Lake Rowing Club. According to Fairley, “We expect to have all of our rowers back next year and new ones arriving inspired by what our rowers accomplished this year.”

For information related to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta visit: http://www.henleyregatta.ca/henley-2007.php

The Silver Lake Rowing Club was established in 1999 to promote the sport of rowing across Norfolk and Haldimand. Coaches Susan Fairley (519-583-0461) and Larry Beattie (905-329-7909) can be contacted regarding the Club Rowing Program. To find out more about the Silver Lake Rowing Club, please call Jim Dover at 519-426-5677 (Vice President - Rowing) or visit our web site at: www.silverlakerowingclub.com