2023 Riverview Gold Cup Regatta
The 2023 Riverview Gold Cup Regatta was held last weekend on the treacherous dog-leg course that is the Lane Cove River. While it is an amazing regatta for spectators, it can be a coach’s and coxswain’s worst nightmare, with courses and crashes regularly playing a role in the results. This regatta was no different, with many incidents happening as the crews navigated the 1,400m race including even the odd cruise ship and sailing boat wandering across or down the course.
The Shore fleet faired reasonably well, with many great performances and courses coming from our squads. In particular, our Year 8 squad recorded some great races, finishing with a very strong row to take out the division, whilst the rest of the fleet finished with four second places and one third place.
Our Year 9 quads were forced into a late reshuffle through the week and credit must be given to them as they raced well despite being in their new combinations. This squad recorded five second place results, with two wins coming through the Year 9 fourth and third quad.
Our Year 10 VIII raced next and had a great day in the office finishing in second position. A big thank you to Jackson Cureton who jumped into the jockey seat to help the crew get down the course. The third Year 10 Crew showed great form, recording a strong win under the stroke rate of Henry ‘The Sheriff’ Sherrington. Our Year 10 Second VIII continued their recent run of victories, recording a very strong win in their A Final after qualifying earlier in the day. Our Year 10 crew also made the A Final despite Sydney Grammar trying to run them off the course for 500m. In the Final, the crew managed fourth position.
Our Quads continue to improve with very encouraging races coming from our Second and Fourth IV. Both these crews showed great improvement to record a second place in their Finals. Our Third IV had a tough time in their heat and had to settle for the B Final, which they won with ease. Our First IV had one of the strongest races of the day, with a great win over their GPS rivals, Sam Warburton assisted greatly with what could be described as the turn of the day.
The First and Second VIII both had mid-week crew changes with an eye on the Head of the River on 25 March. Both crews raced very well, with the Second VIII making the most of a great course. Notably, it was the performance from Hamish Longstaff and of new stroke Ben Roe, that helped the Second VIII record a win over their GPS rivals. The First VIII showed the field that they are not to be underestimated with a strong second place in the A Final. A great result from this very fresh combination.
Top image credit: First VIII on the move
Mr G Bates
MIC Rowing