Avon Rowing Club
I’ve already written an article about this crew but they are an outfit everyone has to watch at this year’s regatta. Avon Rowing Club isn’t just producing a strong senior eight; they’re building an unstoppable squad. With the potential to go first and second in the senior eight, and claim the top three spots in the senior fours, this club has become the place to be for athletes seeking medals. Their squad continues to grow, attracting more talent as they solidify their reputation as the top club in New Zealand rowing.
The Avon men’s senior eight is an exceptional blend of seasoned athletes and rising stars, making them a formidable force on the water. Their roster boasts national representatives and immense experience, setting a high standard for excellence. Leading the charge is Logan Keys, a revered coach with an illustrious track record. His coaching achievements include Maadi Cup victories with Christchurch Boys’ High School and Jubilee Cup wins with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. His historic first and second finish with Rangi Ruru at a national school regatta cements his reputation as one of the best in the business. Avon also benefits from an elite coaching staff working alongside him, making their setup one that other clubs can only envy. What’s particularly interesting about this crew is how they have been managed. Based on conversations with Avon athletes and past results, it’s clear that Keys and his coaching staff have taken a selector-like approach, constantly changing crew lineups throughout the season. Athletes have been swapped mid-regatta, with seat races playing a crucial role in selections. While some rowers may not prefer this method, it ensures that everyone stays at peak performance. The message is clear: every race is a test, and only the best will compete in the top boat.
Avon’s dominance in sweeping events at last year’s National Club Regatta showcased their depth. Winning the senior eight, securing the top three places in the senior coxless four, and claiming victory in the senior coxless pair highlighted their strength across multiple events. Their momentum has carried into this season, with a commanding performance at the Otago Championships, where they finished first and second in the men’s open eight. Such results prove that this crew is not only experienced but also in peak form heading into the National Club Regatta. This season’s results reinforce Avon’s supremacy. At the South Island Championships, nearly every A-finalist in the premier pair was from Avon, with only two exceptions. Though they narrowly missed the win, some argue it was due to the freshness of the Marlborough pairing, who only had that one race. In the premier four, all four entries were from Avon, and in the eighth, they once again secured first and second place. This level of dominance suggests that their senior squad will continue their winning streak, remaining unbeaten.
As they prepare to face Waikato for the senior eight title at the National Club Regatta, Avon’s first crew is undoubtedly the one to watch. With raw talent, world-class coaching, and a relentless winning mentality, they are poised to solidify their dominance and continue setting the standard for club rowing in New Zealand.
Waikato Rowing Club
The Waikato Rowing Club men’s open eight has firmly established itself as the premier crew in the North Island, showcasing its dominance with a commanding victory at both the Christmas Regatta and the North Island Club Championships. At the latter, they secured the men’s open eight title by an impressive five-second margin, finishing ahead of strong competitors from North Shore and St. George’s. This crew is a well-balanced blend of emerging talent and seasoned rowers, built on a foundation of past success and guided by elite coaching. They have also demonstrated their strength in small boats, securing second and third place in the pair at North Island Club Champs, further highlighting their depth and versatility.
A key strength of this crew lies in its composition. More than half of the athletes originate from Hamilton Boys’ High School, where they honed their skills as Maadi Cup champions. Their longstanding chemistry and deep understanding of each other’s rowing styles make them a cohesive and formidable unit on the water.
Among the standout potential athletes in the Waikato eight are Zach Brownlee and Dylan McConnell, who set a new schoolboy record in the U18 pair at the Maadi Cup. At the Christmas Regatta, they narrowly missed victory in the premier pair event behind New Zealand elite rowers; however, inside sources have revealed that this partnership will, unfortunately, be coming to an end, as Dylan McConnell has been sidelined with glandular fever, ruling him out of this year’s New Zealand Rowing Championships. Alongside them, Ethan Steyn and Jonty Mackintosh add further strength to the crew, having been part of the 2024 Maadi Cup-winning eight that also secured all three U18 sweep titles. Another integral member is Jack Henry, a highly accomplished single sculler with podium finishes in both the U17 and U18 singles, now transitioning his expertise to sweeping, although he did just come second at NICC in the men’s senior quad. Coaching the crew from the water is Oliver Duncan, a coxswain fresh off a gold medal at the U23 World Rowing Championships, where he led the U23 women’s coxed four to victory.
The crew benefits from the leadership of Nick Barton, a highly experienced coach with a track record of guiding elite New Zealand crews to success. Under his direction, Waikato has cultivated a strong foundation and consistently high-performance levels. Their ultimate challenge will come next week, where they will face a formidable Avon.
Prediction
With their unmatched depth, relentless training approach, and an elite coaching team led by Logan Keys, Avon Rowing Club is the clear favourite to win the senior eight at the New Zealand Rowing Championships. Their dominance throughout the season, winning multiple events and proving their supremacy in sweeping disciplines, makes it difficult to see any crew challenging them.
Waikato Rowing Club, the strongest North Island contender, has an impressive lineup with proven talent. However, the unfortunate loss of Dylan McConnell weakens their squad, and while they will undoubtedly put up an intense fight, they might not have enough to hold off Avon.
Winner: Avon Rowing Club
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