It was the Gloucester High School crew novices who excelled at the Darrell Winslow Regatta at Occoquan on Saturday. To challenge the young rowers, the GHS coaches entered them in varsity events and the Dukes placed in both.

The novice four of Casey Martin, Maddy Hogge, Rachel Ferreira, Emma Malise and coxswain Amber Stieber raced in the junior four, frequently one of the fastest girls’ races. The crew, including a freshman and four eighth graders, took second place behind Woodson.

On the boys’ side, Chase Holland, Justin Poole, Bryan Steward, Andrew Wiehrs and coxswain Thomas Evans placed fifth in the second varsity four race.

Also placing in the Winslow was the women’s junior varsity eight. Rowers Bailey Hamilton, Madi Hutson, Kara Smith, Maddie Lee, Mackenzie Marbain, Kassidy Brown, Tialynn Ilog and Kaitlyn Thompson, with Holland at coxswain, were second overall with a time of 5:57.15.

The GHS men’s varsity eight and varsity four we...