The Sydney International Regatta Centre is days away from playing host to the NSW State Championship, and athletes from across the country are preparing themselves for their first hit out with their inter-state competition. The racing is expected to rival that of the weather report, and both athletes and spectators should be prepared for some exceptionally hot competition over the weekend. With 23 crews officially entered, the schoolgirl quad is set to be some of the more intense racing that Penrith will host this weekend, as crews get their first authentic taste of what their interstate competition is bringing to the table.
Kinross Wolaroi
It is difficult to look past 2024’s reigning national champion in the schoolgirl quad of Wilkin, and what is sure to be her formidable crew of Tancred, Leigo and Kirby as the top crew of this impressive school. Not to be deterred are the second crew of Jarick, Chudleigh, Wise, and Clinton, who come off the back of some exceptional performances so far this season, including an impressive win in the schoolgirl first eight at the Sydney Girls High Regatta.
Canberra Girls Grammar
Having already defeated the Gippsland Grammar and Radford crews this season, reigning national silver medalists from Canberra Girls Grammar should feel prepared as they head into the weekend. No strangers to intense quad racing are returning athletes to the top boat of King and Walker, joined by Frost and Bowen to complete a competitive group. These girls have proven to be consistently high performers this season and should race no differently this weekend. Half a returning crew from a near-victorious season can never be overlooked, especially in a crew as solid as this one has been in the past few months.
Gippsland Grammar
The 2024 Victorian Head of the Schoolgirls quad champions, Gippsland Grammar, will undoubtedly be prepared to take their victory interstate as they line up on the start line this weekend. The accolades of Harrison and Tavasci in their successful 2024 season have set them up well in their approach to the 2025 racing calendar, as they are joined by crewmates Dihood and Canfield. Having already completed some interstate racing this season, this crew knows what to expect on the start line, and they’ll likely come ready to attack with fire.
Prediction
Whilst a reigning national championship may give Kinross Wolaroi a sense of confidence going into this interstate season, I predict that the powerful combination of the Canberra Girls Grammar squad will overtake them, and they will leave Penrith with the gold. The fight between these two crews will be intense. However, Kinross Wolaroi will likely take the silver, followed by a resounding performance from Gippsland Grammar to take the bronze. It won’t be an easy trip to the podium for these three crews, as the notable boats from Melbourne Girls GS and Radford will be hot on their tails
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