Dover's Novice Ladies celebrate their win at Southsea Regatta on Saturday, from left: Lizzie Foley, Lauren Drewitt, Kate Snape (cox), Maria West-Burrows and Rachel Whittaker.

Dover Rowing Club’s ladies’ novice four created history by becoming the club’s first female crew to win at the weekend Southsea Regatta.

After establishing a commanding lead in the closing stages, the crew of Rachel Whittaker, Lizzie Foley, Maria West-Burrows. Lauren Drewitt and cox Kate Smissen made a late push to seal victory. The ladies’ novice crew is fast becoming the jewel in the club’s crown with a flurry of good results.

Dover men’s senior four crew of Lee Stampton, Will Coleman, Keith Thomasson, Liam Stampton and cox Lauren Drewitt missed out on qualifying in testing conditions, crossing the line in fifth.