Scotch College

'Well rowed Scotch!', the boys are calling

The Scotch 1st VIII stormed home to score an exciting win at the Annual Head of the River Regatta on the Barwon.

Coming from nearly a length down with 600 metres to go, the crew won by two thirds of a length from Geelong Grammar, with Xavier College in third place. The winning time was a very fast 4 min 14.8 secs, with the race being rowed in light tail wind conditions. The crew of Ed Trembath (bow), Will Jelbart (2), David Owen (3), James Gerstman (4), Matthew Love (5), Matthew Fowles (6), Cameron McKenzie McHarg (7), Stephen Craig (stroke) and Ross Prickett (cox) went into the race as hot favourites. They had previously won races at all the lead up regattas including the Australian Henley, and Scotch Mercantile Regattas.

A highlight of the season was an outstanding performance at the Australian Championships where they were a fast finishing second to Newington College, with Shore School in third place. This was the best performance by a Victorian school for nearly a decade.

At the Head of the River, they won their heat in fine fashion from St Kevin's and Caulfield. The semi final saw another good win over Geelong Grammar and Melbourne Grammar.

In the final, Geelong took a lead of about three quarters of a length in the middle of the race, but the Scotch crew responded by lifting the rating to 40 and took the lead with around 300 metres to go. Co-coach Nick Green commented in the Geelong Advertiser that the crew '.. showed skill and maturity beyond their years.'

Our congratulations go to all connected with the Scotch crew including the coaches Messrs Andrew Muller and Nick Green, Head Coach Mr Stephen Spurling and the Teacher in Charge of Rowing Mr Peter Fowler.

Outstanding performances

The win capped off an outstanding day for Scotch rowing with all five crews represented in the A finals for the second year in succession. The 2nd VIII finished in third place behind Brighton Grammar and Geelong College and the 3rd VIII finished in fourth place behind Melbourne Grammar, Xavier College and Geelong College.

The 4th VIII had an outstanding win from Xavier College and St Kevin's College. The crew twice set a new course record for fourth crews on the way to winning the final.

The 5th VIII finished third behind Melbourne Grammar and Geelong College.

Our congratulations go to all crews and coaches on these fine performances.