Photo Credit: Rowing NSW
The schoolboy coxed quad this year is set to be a surprising mix of returning big names and new kids on the block, all with a chance to take home some medals. Year after year, this event is always hotly contested by the country’s biggest names, such as Kinross Wolaroi. But, this time will also feature some fresh faces like The Southport School and Redlands. Evidently, the event is shaping up to provide some ultra-close margins and fantastic racing.
Kinross Wolaroi
A name that has been in this event for what seems like forever, Kinross are once again going in as favourites. Hoping to claim their second gold medal in a row, the boys from Orange look to be almost certain to do this. The three returning members of Harry Dymock, Oscar Cleary and Oliver Smith were all part of the previous season’s gold medal-winning crew. Kinross, so far, are undefeated, and with the likes of the names mentioned previously, I don’t personally see a way where Kinross don’t go home without gold medals around their necks.
The Southport School
We have only seen Southport compete once in this boat class this season, though that was where they placed second at the NSW State Championships. This quad consists of members from their first eight, which has been broken up to compete in the quad, four and eight at nationals. Although this crew will have had limited training together, the consistency and brilliant rowing that has come out of the Southport shed in recent years leads me to believe that this crew can put in a push for the title.
Redlands School
As a club that doesn’t have as much hype around them as other crews, the Cremorne-based school’s rowing program has been subtly growing over recent years and has put together a solid crew for this regatta. For a school that has predominantly focused on small boats, it is good to see Redlands put together a successful quad. A third place at the NSW Schoolboy Head of the River and a fourth at NSW State Championships is leading the crew well into nationals. Stroked by Angus Mcinnes, who is rumoured to have been making impressive gains on the ergo this year, this quad has what it takes to cause a major upset.
Prediction
Kinross will be taking this opportunity to show their dominance in the sculling boats and look set to take out the gold medal. I would say Southport will come in second after a busy week racing in the U19 and schoolboy eight categories. Redlands could head back to Sydney with a bronze medal if they can cause an upset.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
