Due to supplementary entries still being open, JRN does not have the official draw for Christmas Regatta 2024; however, here are some crews which, based on past performances and current information, we expect to enter and perform well in this event.
As the promise of heavy rain looms, athletes from the North Island and beyond gather once again on Lake Kārapiro. While the lineup is still unknown, history can predict some familiar faces likely to return to face off in the senior men’s coxless quadruple sculls.
Waikato Rowing Club
Given the consistency of their performances over the past few seasons, Waikato Rowing Club have already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Just a few weeks ago, their quadruple sculls crews dominated the open category at KRI Club Regatta, with the winners crossing the line comfortably ahead of the rest of the pack. This result was unsurprising given the calibre of talent in the boat, including experienced athletes such as Riley Williams, who added yet another piece of silverware to his collection recently, taking home a bronze medal in the senior coxless quadruple sculls at last season’s National Rowing Championships.
Highlighting the depth of the Waikato men’s squad, their second crew claimed silver at Kārapiro Club Regatta behind their teammates. This event wasn’t their only success, with crew members Jameson McConnochie and Harry Febrey also securing third overall in the club double sculls and fourth in the club coxless quadruple sculls with Jasper Maling.
While we cannot be sure of the crew combination yet, it’s clear Waikato have a well-developed programme capable of producing high-performing crews. Therefore, it’s highly likely we will see them continue to dominate as the season progresses.
North Shore Rowing Club
Another top contender in these higher-level classifications are North Shore Rowing Club. Their men’s squad had a successful season last year, with highlights including a bronze in the senior eight and silver in the intermediate coxed quadruple sculls at the New Zealand Rowing Championships.
North Shore have already begun the season well, finishing in a respectable fourth place in the open coxless quadruple sculls at KRI Club Regatta. Ahead of this weekend, they could be looking to chase down the crews to put themselves back in the top spots.
Predictions
Always one to root for an underdog, I’d love to see what North Shore has to offer up against the Waikato squad, and with the potential addition of overseas athletes from Australia joining the lineup this weekend, this event could be heating up. However, the dominance of Waikato will be a tough feat to overcome, so we are definitely expecting to see some red, yellow and green leading the charge.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
