Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls celebrated a memorable day last Sunday, as Emma Richardson and Pippa England rowed for Great Britain in the J16 VIII, winning a gold medal in the British/ French Regatta at the Royal Docks in London.

Both girls were coached by HMSG's Mr Cheeseman and Mrs Callaghan, Head of Rowing at HMSG, was the Assistant Team Manager.

In preparation for the regatta, the British U16 team attended a two-day training camp at Dorney Lake, the London Olympic 2012 rowing venue, before travelling to the Royal Docks on Thursday.

Intensive training continued in the blistering heat at the docks leading up to Sunday. The British Team dominated the regatta winning 11 out of the 13 events.

The girls' eight triumphed through sheer grit and determination, making noticeable improvements with each outing.

The French eight stormed off at the start but were unable to gain clear water from the Brits. At the halfway mark, the GB girls put in an inspirational push to draw level.

With the confidence of this they broke the French and started to move ahead.

However, the French attacked again and successfully moved in front. With 200m to go and GB still behind, Pippa in the stroke seat wound up the rate and managed to draw level, taking gold in the last 10 strokes of the race.

Pippa and Emma are also racing at the National Junior Championships in July and have also been selected to represent Wales in their Coxless Pair.