Credit: Bradley Redfern
The NSW All Schools Championships provides a new milestone in the NSW regatta calendar, opening the formally “independent schools regatta” to a wider range of competitors. This regatta will serve as the first major milestone, offering coaches and athletes an early look at emerging talent and new crew combinations. While the spotlight has primarily shone on larger boats in previous years, performances in smaller boat classes promise valuable insights into standout individuals. The Schoolgirl Double allows new combinations to be tested, and whether it be returning members or freshly SG class rowers, the event will no doubt bring excitement.
St Catherine’s School
Over the past two years, St Catherine’s has set the standard for competitive racing with their performances in the schoolgirl eight. Despite being known for their success in sweep, their sculling does not fall short of impressive. Under the coaching of Jarrod Watson, their former combination last year won this event in a dominant display of over 40 seconds. Despite a new combination this year, the individual athletes are not to be underestimated. In her inaugural season last year, Stigter consistently won as part of the schoolgirl eight, gaining international experience at the Henley Royal Regatta. Poulos will undoubtedly add experience to the boat, with the 24/25 season marking her fifth as a rower. She brings sculling expertise, including that in the single and quad in her formative years. This combination will no doubt be one to watch.
Queenwood School
The Squad from Balmoral is known for its consistency and discipline, with the program consistently producing Australian athletes. Despite Queenwood being forwardly known for its sweep reputation, its sculling capabilities do not fall short. Both Taylor and Mclaren have contributed to the school’s reputation, showing success at the NSW State Championships last year, winning together in the schoolgirl four. Mclaren offers previous success in the sculling realm, also winning the schoolgirl double at that same regatta last year. Despite competing in multiple events, her success across the board whilst competing in three boat classes at the regatta is a testament to the resilience the program builds. This double will undoubtedly be amongst the pack to win.
Rising Contenders
Other contenders in the mix for that third-place spot fall pretty evenly, with brand-new combinations reflecting the start of this season. Newcastle Grammar’s young combination impressed at the recent CDRA Championships, granting them invaluable race experience whilst showing potential for a strong performance. The combination from Roseville College comes with experience, with the two members rowing together in the schoolgirl quad last year. This should give them an advantage in experience and style consistency. Furthermore, Hwang from Roseville has also shown some early season success, recently winning in the quad at the Newcastle Grammar Regatta. Finally, Tara School’s duo both bring individual sculling experience, although this being their first competition as a combination will provide an exciting opportunity for the pair.
Predictions
It will certainly be fierce competition for the top spot between St Catherine’s and Queenwood. Both crews have well-seasoned athletes under the guidance of some of the most prominent coaches in Australia’s schoolgirl rowing scene. Despite St Catherine’s recent success in this event last year, Mclaren’s experience in winning in this boat class will likely give Queenwood the competitive edge.
In terms of third place, it’s anyone’s race. All other programs have presented combinations of exciting new talent, which makes for unpredictable competition. Either way, the double will be one to watch.
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