Fitzsimons Leads the Way for St Neots

ANOTHER impressive outing from rower Jo Fitzsimons saw the St Neots teenager continue her preparation for international competition next month.

Fitzsimons, 17, continued her rehabilitation from last season's back injury with a good row alongside partner Jenny Arnold, from Henley at the GB Junior Trial Regatta.

The event is run in exactly the same way as that for the British Olympic team, providing young rowers with invaluable experience in top-level competition.

St Neots Rowing Club head coach Martyn Rooney said: "Jo is hitting top form and should do well for Great Britain at the upcoming Munich Regatta."

Fitzsimons and Arnold led off 15 crews in their first women's pairs race, finishing more than 14 seconds clear of the second-placed crew from Reading.

Fellow St Neots rower Natalie Bream was paired with Almeda Gare of Molesey and claimed third place, behind the Reading duo, while St Neots U16 pair Polly Hetherington and Bethany Astell were left trailing when Astell pulled a muscle and later had to withdraw from the event.

Both Fitzsimons and Bream took their place in the final in their respective pairs, which was almost a copy of the heat, with Fitzsimons claiming victory ahead of Reading and Bream finishing a strong third.

Sam Howell was the only boy to represent St Neots at the event and improved on last year's 13th place to finish in 10th overall after gaining a place in the B final.

Rooney said: "I was disappointed with Natalie Bream and her partner as I had though that they could finish second.

"However it was most upsetting for the young girls to have to withdraw through injury after such promise but I am sure once Bethany Astell has received treatment and rehab they will be back.

"Sam Howell also responded very well in the final following a poor race plan in the semi.