Photo Credit: Rowing NSW
The APS Head of the River is the world’s oldest continuous school rowing event, dating back to 1868 when it was held as a duel-style race on the Yarra. Schoolgirls joined the regatta in 1981, and since then, Geelong Grammar has won 25 of the 42 races. Whilst the Head of the Schoolgirls is the primary focus for most of these programs, this year’s running being so close to nationals will be a key event for crews to see where they stand over 2000m before heading to Tasmania next week.
Caulfield Grammar
It’s been a tough season for Caulfield Grammar, but not without light at the end of the tunnel. Their performance at last Saturday’s Head of the Schoolgirl’s was possibly their best of the season. They came up against a tough draw but did well to stay in touch with much faster crews. Considering they were significantly off the pace of the leading APS schools at the early-season Melbourne Head, they have made significant improvements and will be in the hunt for a minor medal on Saturday.
Geelong College
Despite their last win coming in 2011, Geelong College have featured in all but two podiums in this event since. Their start to the season was very promising, finishing mere seconds off Geelong Grammar and Wesley at Melbourne Head in November. They then built on this with a fantastic performance at the NSW Championships, finishing just outside the medals against some quality NSW competition. At the Head of the Schoolgirls last weekend, they were drawn a fairly tough progression through to the final and wrapped up the regatta sixth overall, finishing second in the B-final. This crew have some speed in them that just hasn’t reared its head at the right time. Expect Geelong College to be right in the fight for the lead come Saturday afternoon.
Geelong Grammar
The most successful school in the history of the Summer Cup, Geelong Grammar will be looking for their ninth win in 12 years, and their third in a row on Saturday. With only one returner from last year’s winning crew, the 2025 combination has built on throughout the season after a slow start. A month ago, they lost out to Geelong College by five seconds at the NSW Championships in Sydney. At the Victorian Championships more recently, they were three seconds in the lead, and at last weekend’s Head of the Schoolgirl’s they were the only APS school to make the A-final, coming home with a bronze medal. This crew have found their stride well at the right time of the year, and will be firm favourites at Nagambie.
Wesley College
Last year’s silver medallists, Wesley College have had a tough time of things this season. Despite a strong start at Melbourne Head, they will have come away from recent regattas with less than desired. At the Head of the Schoolgirl’s, they lost out to Caulfield in the repechage, leaving them destined for the C-Final. Despite this result, the glimmer of hope in this season was the NSW Championships, where they made the final of the U21 women’s eight, one of only three schoolgirl crews to do so. With last Saturday’s narrow repechage loss fresh in their mind, the girls in purple could come out with designs on redemption on Saturday.
Prediction
Despite the mild temperatures forecast, Nagambie can throw up a wide range of conditions on any given day, often seeing shock results as crosswinds sweep across the first 1000m. Should the race go to plan, I’d expect to see Geelong Grammar make it three in a row this weekend. The battle for the minor placings will be interesting, though; Geelong College should hang on to this, with a tight battle for third going the way of Caulfield over Wesley.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
