Sport

Rowing

Last weekend, eleven rowers headed off to the Barwon River in Geelong for the much-anticipated Head of Schoolgirls regatta. With three days of intense rowing and over 2,100 competitors from 41 schools around Victoria, The Hamilton and Alexandra College Rowing Club was one of the smallest fleets in the competition. But it was certainly not to be underestimated.

Due to blue-green algae in Lake Hamilton, crews had been unable to train on the water for the month leading up to the largest schoolgirls rowing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

The junior crew consisting of Claudia Cochran, Hannah Wilson, Jemima Koch, Sophie Hill and coxed by Millie Mould, came up against the largest group of entrants at the regatta, with 26 other crews in the Coxed Quad Scull Year 9 Division 3. After placing third in their heat and second in their repechage, the girls raced hard in their semi-final for a win. Having a taste for the win, the girls again pushed hard to win the E final, beating the other crews by three seconds. Across the weekend, the girls wiped 20 seconds off their heat time and are a strong contender for next year.

Molly Walker's usual rowing partner (Phoebe) was in Brussels during this regatta, so she took on single scull, competing in the Single Scull Year 9 Division 1. With 20 other rowers in her division, it was tough competition. Molly rose to this challenge, winning her heat, putting her straight into the quarter-final. After racing to second in the quarter-final and third in the semi-final, Molly landed a spot in the B final and raced admirably for second place. This was a huge effort from Molly, who, over the course of the weekend, wiped 30 seconds off her heat times.

The senior girls crew of Annabelle Walker, Georgina Russell, Isobel Mecham and Molly Mecham, coxed by Emma Donovan, competed in the Coxed Quad Scull Open Division 5. The girls were narrowly beaten into second place after leading for most of their first-ever 1500m race in their opening heat. Competing in the repechage, the girls came second once again. Hungry for a win, having not won a race all year, the crew lined up for the B final with matching socks and high hopes. A critical push in the middle 500m meant the girls took the lead and never looked back, winning the race by 4.5 seconds. Over the course of the regatta, the girls wiped 16 seconds off their first heat time.

The girls’ banner of “Push Harder, Pull Ahead” inspired all the rowers. Congratulations to everyone for the impressive efforts they put in after a very challenging preparation.

We thank Darcy Walker and Paul ‘Beanie’ Mould for their coaching and Mr Gong, who received quite the education in rowing and loud cheering. We also thank all the parents who came along and supported all the crews in all the races over the three days.

Isobel Mecham and Annabel Walker, Rowing Captains

Clay Target Shooting

We congratulate two sets of brothers, Harry and Lincoln Brown and Lachlan and Josh Pringle, on their efforts in last week's ACTA 2024 National Trap Championships. 

Year 12 student and 2024 College Shooting Captain Lachlan Pringle had a successful weekend. He scored 122/125 in Event 6 Champion of Champions, placed first in the A grade, and was runner-up in the Junior section, with a total score of 145/150.

Shooting a perfect score in his opening round 1, Harry Brown went on to finish the Wagga-based national event with the Junior Champion of Champions sash, securing a one-shot lead on Lachlan Pringle in the shoot-off. 

Lincoln Brown picked up three title sashes, including the Sub-Junior Champion of Champions, after a shoot-off with a 24/25, two shots clear of the runner-up. Lincoln also collected sashes in the 71st Australian Double Barrel Championship Sub-Junior and 68th Single Barrel Championships. 

Meanwhile, Josh Pringle dropped one shot in the Junior A Grade Double Barrel with an impressive 49/50. Despite not finishing on the podium, he secured a great scorecard with his 19m handicap.