PLC/Kings/Rowing NSW Regatta Round 1
Last weekend saw the Shore Boat Club in action in two Regattas across Sydney. The annual 2023 PLC/Kings/Rowing NSW (RNSW) Regatta was held in Penrith, and the first of the All Schools Regattas in Canada Bay, NSW.
Our Years 8 and 9 Quads raced first, with just about every crew that went to the start line having a last-minute reshuffle due to an illness of some sort. Our Squad recorded two wins, three 2nd place finishes and a 3rd place. Well done to this Squad for all their efforts despite the last-minute reshuffle, especially to the Fourth and Fifth combination with their win. The Fifth Quad recorded a winning margin of over one minute in an approximately four-minute race – one of the greatest finishes I can remember in recent times.
Similar to our Year 8 combinations, the Year 9s were forced into some late changes due to illness and injury. This Squad was able to record three wins, one 2nd place and three 3rd places from their seven races. It has been great to see our Third and Fourth Quad combinations continue their winning ways this season. Despite regularly having to deal with personnel change, they still found a way to get their bow ball across the line first.
Whilst this Regatta was underway, our Senior and Year 10 crews were drawing up to the start line. The First VIII and Second VIII raced first, both finishing in 4th place after being in the lead pack at the 1,000m mark. The First VIII narrowly missed out on a podium finish by 0.11 of a second. The Second VIII, unfortunately, had some issue with illness overnight. Fortunately, despite being unwell all night, Ben Roe declared that he was up for racing and showed great resolve through the race to stroke the boat to a great position at the half-way point. The crew had to settle for 4th place but should take some confidence from the previous two weeks.
Our IVs Squad raced next and showed that the steady improvement in training has not been a mirage, with some very strong performances coming from this group. This Squad recorded two wins and two 2nd places from their four starts in the school boy events.
The First IV and Second IV’s two wins were outstanding, with the First IV having to come from half a length down at the 1,000m mark to make a move through the third 500m to claim the win. Very mature racing was on display from James Collier, Jordan Elliott, Rory Hall, Jock Fenwicke and Sam Warburton.
The Second IV Squad had a great first 250m which saw them establish a half-length lead at the 1,000m mark. The crew consisted of Max Gillian, Preston Scott, Adam Watson, Edward Kenny and Alex Bishop who showed great tenacity to hold on despite a late challenge from The King’s School.
Our Year 10 VIIIs raced in the second half of the Regatta and were able to record one win, two 2nd places and one 4th place in a very full and competitive field. The Second VIII showed great class to continue their winning ways.
The crew of Hamish Wade, Caleb Jones, Josh Frape, Will Kellett, James Bestic, Jasper Halstead, Jack Riding, Henry Faddy and Jamie Gandhi coxing have been in great form this year, with their wins coming from very consistent work through the third 500m.
Our last highlight of the day came from our Third IV, who were racing in the Under 19 event later in the day. In what was one of the closest races of the day, our Shore combination of Piers Mendel, Aidan Macfarlane, Jake Hebblewhite, Lewis Kingdom and Charlie Waugh had established a strong lead, coming into the final 500m but came under attack by a very spirited Kings combination. Ultimately, the crew held on by just 0.43 of a second to record a win.
First VIII Boat Christened ‘Sue Wright’
Last Wednesday, there was a great moment at the Boat Shed where we were able to christen the ‘Sue Wright’ boat. This boat will be used to as our First VIII boat for the next few seasons, and it is very fitting that the name of a person who was a tremendous pillar of support to Dr Wright will have their name on the boat that will support our Rowing boys in their endeavours this year and the years to come.
Mr G Bates
MIC Rowing
