Image Credit: Rowing NSW
The 2024 NSW All Schools Championships represent a new regatta format and bring the opportunity for the first hit-out of the 2024-25 NSW season. Whilst typically, this regatta has been populated by schools that prioritise quad or four rowing, this year sees a more diverse battle for the Schoolboy Eights title, one which, on paper, should be closely fought.
Canberra Grammar
Canberra Grammar make their return to the schoolboy eight. Last year’s much-hyped but ultimately disappointing season saw them miss out on the final at the NSW State Championships and end the season in fourth place at nationals in the coxed four.
While we have seen several impressive sculling performances from ACT crews, we are yet to see a combination from the territory that makes an impression on the Blue Riband event. The crew entered for this weekend showed real speed two weeks ago, dusting up a well-credentialled Canberra Rowing Club crew over 1800m in a time that will inspire confidence for the drive up the Hume Highway. With five returners from last year’s eight that will have learned plenty from the 2024 campaign, expect to see CGS challenging for the win here.
St Josephs College
The boys from Hunters Hill have entered a fairly mixed crew for this regatta, containing members of the second eight alongside the first and second four from the past two weekends. Whilst the first and second fours have performed well, the second eight has been slightly off the pace. If this new combination represents a change in selections for the better and they can improve their times from last weekend, St Joseph’s College could be in the mix for a minor medal.
St Augustine’s
Whilst the Northern Beaches School has produced junior world champions in recent years, St Augustine’s have typically been known for their coxed fours rowing, and it’s exciting to see what this eight will be capable of. The crew, coached by 1988 Olympic Champion Judith Ungemach, had a hit out against the top GPS eights last weekend but were left wanting in both races. With some minor tweaking this week, they could be a real challenge for the lead in this less experienced field.
Hunter Valley Grammar
Whilst recently racing predominantly in small boats, Hunter Valley Grammar has been a growing force among regional schools in the past few years, as demonstrated by a bronze and gold at last year’s Nationals for stroke seat Luke Purdie. Whilst the rest of the competition is doubling up in the coxed fours event, HVGS will be racing their eight as two quads in the morning. Will the faster boat class mean slightly fresher legs come the end of the day?
Prediction
After falling short of high early-season expectations last year, Canberra Grammar will be back hungrier than ever to land a spot on the podium at their first hit out over 2000m, and I expect them to find themselves atop the presentation dias come Saturday afternoon. St Augustine’s won’t be far behind though. The battle for bronze could be closely fought, but St Joseph’s College will likely hold enough of an edge in recent racing experience to snag the final medal.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
