OXFORDSHIRE youngsters made a massive contribution in helping the Thames Upriver team regain the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, writes John Wiggins.

Abingdon School and St Edward’s School pupils starred at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham.

The Thames Upriver team finished with 228 points, beating Thames London by 29.

Abingdon rounded off the event by winning the J16 boys eights.

The crew of Christopher Fry, Peter Mason, Luc Jersing, James Coode, Joshua Rundle, Joe McConnell, Matthew Bell, Tom Symington and cox, Noah Walker finished nearly a length clear.

St Edward’s pupil Saskia Ward won the J15 single sculls.

City of Oxford duo Robert McRae and Tilly Elliston were fourth and ninth respectively in their J14 scull races.

In the J15 double scull, Wallingford RC’s Toby Francis and Philip van der Veen rounded out the top four.

Thames Upriver team manager, Lorna Hermes said: “I am extremely proud of the achievements of the team.

“The winning margin is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the athletes and coaches involved.

“I am particularly delighted for Abingdon School and St Edward’s School, who renewed their support for the event after a few years away and both came away with Gold medals.”

Meanwhile, hosts City of Oxford retained the men’s and women’s Head of the River titles.

Henry Drohan, Will Clarke, Rupert Pye-Watson, Harry Robinson and cox, Alissa Bray held off the challenge of Wallingford RC in the bumps event on the Isis.

In the women’s race, Oxford’s crew of Corinne Larkworthy, Louisa Taylor, Alex Black, Naomi Sharma and cox, Suzy Drohan beat University College.