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 these events.
As crews head back to the picturesque Lake Kārapiro ahead of this weekend, Christmas Regatta’s lineup promises three action-packed days of racing, with major events, including the Women’s Open and Intermediate Eights, set to be some of the most exciting.
Women’s Open Eights
Waikato Rowing Club
Following their dominating performance in the open eights a fortnight ago at KRI Club Regatta, it seems unlikely we won’t see a reappearance from Waikato this time around. Their top two crews were clear frontrunners ahead of North Shore Rowing Club, and with the club going from strength to strength, no doubt they will be back for another round this weekend. Therefore, the main question is whether any crew will be able to get closer to them this time around.
North Shore Rowing Club
Right on their tail, and still very much in contention for a top spot is North Shore Rowing Club. Their women’s squad had one of their strongest seasons yet last year, taking home a bronze at the New Zealand Rowing Championships in the senior eight category. These results prove the club has the capability to mould high-performing crews, and with their new combination debuting at Kārapiro Club Regatta with a third-place finish in the open eight, North Shore are still very much strong contenders. Still, they will have some work to do to close the near eight-second gap to Waikato.
Women’s Intermediate Coxed Eight
Counties Manukau Rowing Club
Establishing themselves as ‘ones-to-watch’ by being crowned runners-up in both the intermediate eight and octuple sculls at Kārapiro Club Regatta, rising stars from Counties Manukau have emerged ahead of this weekend. Lyne, Bradley, Piper, Li, McKenzie, Mei, Mitchell and Mitchell, along with coxswain Amelia Mitchell could be searching to push that all-important step up into the lead if they return this weekend.
Rotorua Rowing Club
Despite the club’s squads mainly reaching B-finals at major competitions such as New Zealand Championships and Aon Junior Regatta last year, a new contender appears to have risen in the form of Rotorua’s Fraser, Mogg, Gainsford, Sieber, O’Driscolll, Thompson, Pahl and Parton. Led by coxswain Atawhai Mills, this crew stormed to take the win by half a length at Kārapiro Club Regatta, ahead of the aforementioned Counties Manakau. With little information available about this crew, all eyes will be on them to see if this was fluke or the start of a new reign from Rotorua RC.
Hamilton Rowing Club
With a strong track record within this category, it would be surprising to see no crews from Hamilton RC occupying those top spots. The women’s squad last year achieved an impressive feat of taking home both the gold and bronze medals in the final, the winners stealing victory after a splintering finish separated them from Waikato by only 0.2 seconds. Hamilton RC have consistently produced strong results over the seasons, however we have not seen much of them so far this year so it will be interesting to see if they will be back for more this weekend.
Predictions
In line with the results from the last regatta, I think it would take a lot to topple Waikato RC for the win in the open eight at this stage, though its clear North Shore aren’t letting them get away easily and with the season only just getting started, there’s still plenty time for things to change. When it comes to the intermediate eights, given their incredible performance a few weeks ago, I’m willing to hedge my bets with the team from Rotorua. If they make an appearance, the crew, coached by Alistair Riddle, have clearly made a strong start to the season they wish to continue, so they will be raring to ride that momentum into this weekend.
With these events more spread out than they were a fortnight ago, there’s a chance we will see more of the strong school crews give these teams a run for their money. Regardless, if one thing’s certain, these eights races are set to be highlights of the weekend.
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