Benjamin Hamparsum, William Swales, Tobias Markerink, Lachlan Oates and (coxswain) Molly Pinnock delighted with a second placing at Taree Summer Regatta
ROWERS from The Armidale School have returned from the Taree Summer Regatta with great success, bringing home medals in several events.
The 25 rowers competed in both sweep (one oar per rower) and scull (two oars) events over different distances at the three day regatta on 12-14 January, following a four day camp at nearby Oxley Island.
The school’s girls’ crew were the first to compete, coming third in the Women’s C Grade quad scull over 1000m on the first day of competition. Other top three finishes included a second placing in the D Grade quad scull over 1000m, third in the Women’s U23 quad scull and thirdin the B Grade quad scull (both over 2000m).
The TAS First IV bagged two second placings, in the U23 Coxless IV and the U19 Four (both over 2000m) and came third in the C Grade Coxed IV (1000m). The Second IV had a trio of third placings, in the U23 Coxless IV (2000m), the U19 Four (2000m) and the c Grade Coxed IV (1000m) while the Third IV achieved a second placing in the C Grade Coxed IV (1000m).
Conditions on the water varied, with wind gusts of up to 48km/hour on the final day of competition, forcing the cancellation of more than 60 races, mid-morning.
During the regatta the rowers were honoured to be visited by TAS rowing patrons, Old Boys Bob Crossman and John Childs whose generosity helped get the TAS rowing program off the ground.
“The rate of improvement of all crews over the camp was sensational, so now it is important we continue to build from here and treat every session like it is our last,” Captain of Boats Henry Hughes said.
The rowers will next compete at the King’s/PLC Regatta in Sydney on 3 February, followed by Sydney Rowing Club Regatta and Schoolboy Head of the River on 24-25 February, Schoolgirl Head of the River on 3 March, and the AAGPS Head of the River on 17 March.
TAS rowers, pictured with rowing patron John Childs (centre back)
