Race 6: Shiplake College v Hinksey Sculling School 9:30 +
Race 15: Latymer Upper Schools v Melbourne Girls Grammar School AUS 10:20
Both race 6 and 15 showcased commanding performances from Hinksey Sculling School and Melbourne Grammar School respectively. Both crews were able to establish sizable leads before the barrier, from which they could control the race. Speaking to the stroke of the Melbourne crew, she described how the ‘water movement is different to what we expected, obviously our first race here so it added to the nerves’, so perhaps the wind is impacting performance despite forecasts.
Race 26: St Paul’s Girls School v St Catherine’s School AUS 11:30
When watching this race, I was shocked by how powerful the St Catherine’s School boat was, rating consistently lower than their St Paul’s oppositions. However, at Renemham, the St Catherine’s momentum was hindered by a large crab from the stroke seat, perhaps disturbing rhythm and letting panic set in, this helped Pauls reclaim a length. Ultimately this didn’t impact the final result, with the technical Pauls crew missing out.
Race 69: Winter Park USA v Tideway Scullers’ School 6:15
Winter Park led the race off a ferocious start, which maintained their four-length lead down the course. The impact of a foreign crew on such a new event, not felt to the same extent last year, will shake things up a bit, especially the Winter Park crew, who are currently national and state champions. Tideway however were not to be ignored, keeping intensity and immaculate technique until the 2112nd meter.
Henley, St Edwards School and Headington School all performed with dominance, claiming victory over their opponents by sizeable margins.
Preview
St Catherine’s and Hinksey will anticipate a close race. Hinskey claimed bronze at National Schools, 2 seconds ahead of the field, but will go against the reigning Australian National Champions. Such nationally high achieving crews will surely produce an outstanding quality of rowing. The crew from Teddies will go on to face the formidable Henley Rowing Club, which has been unbeaten in the eight all season. Although, with both crews performing on somewhat rested legs after straightforward performances today, the verdict may change
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