As one of, if not the most hotly contested event at the South Island Rowing Championships, the men’s premier eight always promises the very peak of racing. With this regatta being the final test before the New Zealand Rowing Championships, crews will be eying up their competitors with the hopes of securing the elusive New Zealand redcoat.
Avon Rowing Club
Boasting three crews on the podium at the Canterbury Rowing Championships, Avon is undoubtedly the favourite to win. With their first and second eight comprised of several New Zealand juniors and many who made the inaugural trip to Henley Royal Regatta last season, it is clear why Avon are the winners in many people’s eyes. Standout athletes who could feature in the top eight include Redcoat winner and U23 men’s pair world best time holder Oliver Welch, and U19 representatives in the eight Matthew Glen, Ben Allan, Harry Galvan, and Sam Wilson.
This extensive group of New Zealand juniors makes it very difficult to reason why Avon wouldn’t take the win at this regatta. The experience and success of this group are simply unrivalled in the South Island and maybe even the whole country. For many, this Avon eight will not only be the South Island champions but New Zealand champions as well.
Dunstan Arm Rowing Club
Similar to Avon, Dunstan boasts a list of successful rowers with extensive domestic experience. Stroked by Henry Clatworthy, winner of the senior double sculls and senior coxless quad at the 2024 New Zealand Rowing Championships, and strengthened by a bow pair who have rowed together since their school days in Angus Loe and Matthew O’Meara, there is no shortage of experience within this eight. Finishing in fourth place behind a trio of Avon crews at the Meridian Canterbury Championships, Dunstan Arm will be looking to close their half-a-length margin and finish on the podium this week.
With a highly competitive squad this season across both the men’s and women’s teams, Dunstan will be looking to draw on their success so far to set the tone for the final regattas of the season. While lacking in the international accolades of the Avon crew, I wouldn’t put it past Dunstan Arm to have a strong showing in the eight, whether that be in the senior eight or the premier eight. This boat has enough Maadi Cup winners and medallists to provide strong competition.
Predictions
Potentially even faster than the famous Avon eight that challenged Leander Club at Henley Royal Regatta last year, Avon looks extremely difficult to beat at this point in the season. Dunstan Arm is good competition, but with their first eight half a length down on the Avon third eight at the Canterbury Championships, I don’t see them challenging at this regatta or at the New Zealand Rowing Championships. In short, Avon wants to send a message to the eights in the North Island: 2025 is their year.
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