ROWERS from Sir John Deane’s College claimed a number of top places at this year’s Northwich Spring Head.

The competition on April 6 saw crews from across the north of England compete along a 2,350-metre stretch of water on the River Weaver.

J17 single sculler George Lawton won his event and was the fastest single sculler of the day, with a four-second lead.

The J18 quad of Harry Blake, Chris Malley, George Lawton and Leon Langmead finished first in their category, beating the Grange School by eight seconds and, additionally, were crowned winners of the Walter Benyon Trophy as the fastest boat of the day.

Novice sculler David Kennedy finished sixth in his first ever single sculling race, losing out to serious competition from North Staffordshire, Chester Royal, Grosvenor and Queens Park High School rowing clubs, while the Novice double scull, Nick Fox and Olie Jones, came third in their category.

Jenny Thorp, head of PE and geography at Sir John Deane’s College, said: “As always the Spring Head was a brilliant event bringing together some of the best rowing talent in the region.

“This year’s event was extra special for us as all our student rowers competed under the college name as opposed to other clubs in the area.

“I want to congratulate them all on such a fantastic achievement against such strong competition.”