Hinksey Sculling School had an impressive win in the junior 15 quads at the Henley Sculls on Saturday.

Jonny Allen, Will New, Iestyn James, Ben Gregorio and cox Joe Jenkinson were nearly half a minute faster than their nearest rivals.

Indeed, Hinksey were well up in the overall order at 14th from the nearly 500 boats involved of all ages and classes.

Hinksey youngsters also achieved two other second places and one third.

The club were founded in 1998 and operate on Hinksey Lake.

Those behind the formationwere John Broadhurst and Tom Collins, both of whom, as parents, helped Headington School set up their rowing club in 1991.

The club operated first from City of Oxford RC and later at the lake.

Passers by showed interest and Broadhurst and Collins opened up a ‘community club’.

“We didn’t so much satisfy a need, we identified it,” explained Broadhurst, who subsequently arranged spin-off operations for both Headington and Hinksey at his old school club, St Edward’s, at Godstow.

Hinksey SS have 120 members and involve pupils from eight local schools with two more signed up for after Christmas.

Sessions include ergometer and water work, which keep the new head coach, Ross Young, and his helpers very busy.

Fund-raising is important for Hinksey, who have signed up to ‘The Big Give’ from December 5-9. Any money donated during that period will be doubled.

Those seeking to help should contact Broadhurst on John@ hinkseysculling.org.uk.