A Clean Sweep for St Andrew's at the Regatta
3 May 2012
A Clean Sweep for St Andrew’s at the Regatta
Congratulations to St Andrew’s rowers on a formidable performance in claiming victory in both races at the Intercollege Regatta on Wednesday 2nd May.
The Captains of Boats report -
Rawson Rowing
On Wednesday May 2, the Intercol Rowing took place out at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith. St Andrew’s College was the current holder of Copper Pot after regaining it in 2011. At the start of the day, St Andrew’s and St Paul’s were tied with 49 wins each making the win a half century for Andrew’s and pulling ahead of Paul’s.
We set out of the start pretty relaxed as Paul’s took a half boat length lead within the first 250m as we expected. From then on the crew stayed together and remained confident in our ability to win over the full 2000m. We slowly chipped through Paul’s and gained a half boat length lead by the 1000m. Chat thrown out by the guys in the middle of the boat and the bagpipes helped the boys step it up and take a length lead on Paul’s by the time we went through the 1500m. We crossed the line in first place, 2 boat lengths in front of Paul’s to claim the Copper Pot for Andrew’s for the 50th time.
Many thanks to Tim Dunstone and Ed De Carvalho for coaching another successful Rawson rowing campaign.
Johnathon Rundle
Rosebowl Rowing
The Rosebowl rowing crew of 2012 felt the pressure of two consecutive wins as they stepped into a coxed eight for the first time in the history of Rosebowl rowing. The eight combined what was previously raced as a separate senior and fresher four. The girls started training together at the beginning of semester as a squad of twelve girls. The combination came together quickly and within a few weeks a strong crew was selected with two reserves. The crew trained regularly, gradually building strength and fitness whilst also becoming fast friends and creating a tight bond. Coming closer to race day the crew was able to fine tune their racing technique with continual start practise to ensure a fast start to the race. Sincere thanks to John Sergeant for his experience, expertise and commitment as coach.
On race day at the regatta course the conditions were perfect. The crew was nervous but quietly confident of their ability. Having cheered the boy’s crew onto the water the girls turned to the task at hand. Having discussed the race plan the crew got on the water with a clear focus on what they aimed to achieve. The start practise in training clearly paid off as the Andrew’s crew pulled away from the rest of the field within the first five strokes to gain a clear lead. The girls maintained this lead for the whole 2km course, continually working hard to make the gap bigger between the first and second. Andrew’s crossed the line 17 seconds ahead of the Sancta crew who were followed by Wesley, St John’s and Women’s.
It was a thrilling experience to win the first Rosebowl eight race. The girls came off the water beaming with excitement and were received by a loud and proud college. Combined with the victory of the Rawson boys it was an exhilarating day that both crews are able to proudly reflect on.
Beatrix Sheldrick
The sporting focus now switches to swimming, with the Intercollege Carnival at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre next Wednesday night.
St Andrew’s leads the points tables in all sporting competitions, Rawson Cup, Rosebowl and the newly established University Cup after a super start to the year.
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Image courtesy of Ivan Head
