EVESHAM Rowing Club is celebrating after its women's junior 16 coxless quad won one of the most prestigious events in the rowing calendar.

The National Junior Scullers Head of the River held at Henley-on-Thames attracts hundreds of crews from all over the country, including the top rowing schools such as Lady Eleanor Holles and Dame Alice Harpur.

The Evesham girls are determined to make a name for themselves on the national scene this year and have made a good start with a stunning row over the three-kilometre Oxfo-rdshire course.

Ruth Whyman, at stroke, kept her cool and her tactics paid off and she contained the rate, making good progress over the course.

She was backed up by Yasmin Tredell and Chloe Bryan - both very powerful rowers. Steering the boat from the bow seat was Coleen Penrose who found a clever line.

Despite a near clash with another crew, the girls rowed powerfully through to the finish and notched up a time of 12 minutes 45.7 seconds -16 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals from Maidenhead.