CREWS completed their preparations for one of the busiest weekends of the season when they took part in the North of England Head last Saturday.

The Schools’ Head of the River takes place tomorrow, Thursday, on the boat the Boat Races course before the Junior Sculling Head at Dorney Lake 24 hours later.

Northwich Rowing Club make the trip buoyed by a pair of victories at Chester.

Georgia Shirley stroked an under 17s girls’ quad, which also included Imogen Wolstencroft, Rachel Cooney and Sophie Gillbanks, to victory in their boat class.

The stopped the clock in 19.29.2 over a 5,000m course, more than 30 seconds faster than second-placed York City.

There was a narrower margin between Northwich’s under 18s boys’ quad, with George Crouchley, Greg Murphy, Josh Burke and Kevin Dudley on board, and neighbours Warrington.

However those wearing green and gold took first place in 16.41.6.

Hannah Cooney stroked a Northwich crew to second spot in an under 18s girls’ quad, trailing winners Shrewsbury by six seconds.

Grange School sent half-a-dozen quads, and their under 16s boys’ B crew were fastest in their category.

Raymond Yau, Patrick Lee, Oliver Cobb and Sam Houghton were made up their quartet, timing 10.19.4 over a shorter 2,750m course on the River Dee.