March 2008 — Australian Rowing Championships items
Sunday 9 March
RA Media Release:
NSW shatter Tomkins and Ginn dream
NSW have won one of the closest King’s Cup’s on record to shatter James Tomkins and Drew Ginn’s dream of winning their last King’s Cup.
In a pulsating race Western Australia led through the first 1500 metres before NSW and Victoria came steaming home to set up a grandstand finish.
The NSW and Victorian crews went bow ball to bow ball with NSW eventually holding out to win by 0.21 seconds in a time of 5:32.89. Western Australia came home in third place.
The NSW crew, which consisted of James Chapman, Sam Loch, Stephen Stewart, Tom Laurich, Matt Ryan, Fergus Pragnell, Francis Hegerty and Terrence Alfred, coxed by Marty Rabjohns, broke Victoria’s stranglehold on the event to win only their third race in 24 years.
James Chapman, member of the winning crew and 2008 Australian Men’s Eight crew, said the feeling was amazing.
“The Vics talk about their pride in representing their state in the King’s Cup, but there is no prouder moment for a New South Welshman to beat Victoria in a King’s Cup race”, Chapman said. “We treated this race with seriousness it deserves from day 1 and it is all worth it now.”
Ginn and Tomkins reflected on what was a great race that ended in disappointment.
“NSW had a great crew and we gave it all we had for the 2000 metres, but they thoroughly deserved it so full credit to them”, Tomkins said. “This will more than likely be it for me.”
In the Queen’s Cup the Victorian crew of Sarah Heard, Catriona Sens, Robyn Selby Smith, Phoebe Stanley, Pauline Frasca, Fleur Chew, Kim Crow and Emily Martin, coxed by Lizzy Patrick raced to victory by 4 boat lengths to win by 12 seconds from Western Australia and Queensland. They won in a time of 6:09.57 to take out their seventh title in ten years.
New South Wales won the Rowing Australia Cup for the overall champions in the Intestate Regatta, with full results available on www.rowingaustralia.com.au.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Sunday 9 March
RA Media Release:
Western Australia win 50th Penrith Cup
Western Australia has won the 50th Penrith Cup at the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships Interstate Regatta at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
Ben Cureton, Todd Skipworth, Perry Ward and Ross Brown placed together an excellent race to win a time of 6:05.83 and defeat arch rivals Tasmania by just under two seconds. Queensland rounded out the top three taking out the bronze medal.
The Penrith Cup was first awarded in 1958 and was dedicated by the Penrith council. It was fitting thast the 50th anniversary of the event was held in the region that is originated.Tasmania and Western Australia have always been the dominant crews with the West Australian crew retaining the title they won last year.
Ben Cureton said that it was great to win the Penrith Cup again.
“The Penrith Cup is so important to lightweight rowing and rowing in general and to win on the 50th anniversary makes it an extra special feeling”, Cureton said. “We have such a terrific rivalry in the event with Tasmania so it was good to get one up on them this time around.”
The Men’s and Women’s Youth Eights were also tight affairs with Queensland taking out the Girls Youth Eight in a tight finish from New South Wales and Victoria. Victoria won the Men’s Youth Eight from Queensland and New South Wales.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Sunday 9 March
RA Media Release:
Queenslanders led by Savage at Interstate Regatta
Pippa Savage (QLD) was in sparkling form at the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships Interstate Regatta at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
Savage won the first race of the interstate regatta in dominant fashion as she stroked clear of Tasmania’s Kerry Hore to win in a time of 7:37.51 by three boat lengths and retain the Nell Slatter Trophy. NSW rower Zoe Uphill was third.
Savage said that she was relieved to win the title again for Queensland.
“Representing your state at such an important event brings the best out of you and I am glad that I managed to get the win today”, Savage said.
NSW rower Dan Noonan held off the fast finishing Chris Morgan (SA) and Duncan Free (QLD) to claim his first President’s Cup.
He won in a time of 7:05.76 to take the race that many anticipated Free would win. Free had made a return to single sculling for this event in a bid to win the race for an eighth time.
Amber Halliday, Marguerite Houston, Miranda Bennett and Maya Fiddler defended the Women’s Lightweight quad scull title for South Australia, winning the race by two boat lengths from Tasmania and New South Wales
More results to follow.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Saturday 8 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 7 Preview
State colours on show in Interstate Regatta
Nell Slatter Trophy Interstate Women’s Single Scull
Queensland will be the favourites to take out the Women’s Single Scull as Pippa Savage lines up to defend the event she won for Queensland last year.
After winning the national title earlier in the week, Savage will be expected to row Queensland to victory but will face strong challenges from Tasmanian Kerry Hore and West Australian Sally Robbins.
President’s Cup Interstate Men’s Single Scull
Duncan Free has the chance of winning the second interstate event of the day for Queensland as he returns to the discipline that he dominated for so many years.
Free has won seven President’s Cups but will be challenged from a number of lanes in tomorrow’s race. Dan Noonan (NSW) has been in great form during the regatta while Jeremy Stevenson (WA) will also threaten. South Australian Chris Morgan should not be discounted either.
Victoria Cup Interstate Women’s Lightweight Quad Scull
The Victoria Cup is expected to be won by the South Australian crew of Amber Halliday, Marguerite Houston, Miranda Bennett and Maja Fiddler. The defending champions from 2007 are expected to win by clear water but there will be a fight for the other medals.
The Tasmanian crew of Kirsty Flemming, Emily Grant, Ingrid Fenger and Carly Cottam will challenge at the end of the race while the Victorians are known to row harder on the Sunday of the Australian Rowing Championships and will be represented by Alice McNamara, Jennifer Matthies, Courtney Adamson and Heidi Wilson.
Penrith Cup Interstate Men’s Lightweight Four
The 50th Anniversary of the Penrith Cup promises to be a battle between the Tasmanian and West Australian crews.
The West Australian’s broke Tasmania’s recent stranglehold on the event last year and will once again be represented by Ben Cureton, Todd Skipworth, Perry Ward and Ross Brown.
Tasmania have suffered from the loss of Sam Beltz but will still be very strong with Tom Gibson, Shaun Finlayson, Nick Baker and Blair Tunevitsch setting their sights on bringing the trophy back to Tasmanian shores.
Bicentenary Cup Interstate Women’s Youth Eight
Victoria will be defending the title they have won the last three years. In a race that could provide anything, the crews from across Australia will be eager to show off their best talent.
Noel F. Wilkinson Trophy Interstate Men’s Youth Eight
New South Wales have won the last years and are favourites to add a hat trick of victories. Victoria, as always, will threaten and Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia are all capable of winning a medal.
Queen Elizabeth II Trophy Interstate Women’s Eight
Victoria’s class speaks for itself in this event. Stroked by Sarah Heard the crew is aiming to win its fourth consecutive title.
Heard will row in front of fellow Australian representatives Phoebe Stanley, Kim Crow, Robyn Selby Smith, Fleur Chew, Pauline Frasca, Catriona Sens and Emily Martin, while they will be coxed by Lizzy Patrick.
New South Wales and Queensland will be the challengers for the minor places.
The King’s Cup Interstate Men’s Eight
The King’s Cup promises to be a fantastic spectacle between New South Wales and Victoria. The two dominant crews have been drawn on opposite sides of the course and will be bow ball to bow ball down the finishing straight.
James Tomkins and Drew Ginn will lead the way for Victoria in what may be their last King’s Cup together and will bring on the pride of the Big White V in the closing stages of the race.
New South Wales has five members of the 2008 Australian Men’s Eight, including the cox Marty Rabjohns.
There will be a fight on for third place with Queensland and Western Australia expected to be the leading contenders.
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Saturday 8 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 6 Review
Penultimate day of racing provides few surprises
With temperatures reaching a moderate 25 degrees, races have concluded for day 6 of the Australian National Rowing Championships. At this stage, 546 of the 597 races have taken place with only 87 of these resulting in the presentation of medals. The atmosphere was huge in the stands today with the finals for all open events concluding.
There has been a constant array of incredible races with multiple athletes claiming more than one medal. Duncan Free has had a particularly successful day of racing winning two National Titles, which now brings his total for the week to three.
The Women’s Open Lightweight Quad Scull crew of Maja Fiddler (SA), Miranda Bennett (SA), Amber Halliday (SA) and Marguerite Houston (SA) comfortably took out the National Title for this event. This combination has been selected as the South Australian State crew for this event in tomorrow’s interstate regatta. It is believed that they will dominate the competition to reclaim the Victoria Cup, which they won last year.
The Women’s Open Eight crew of Elsa O’Hanlon (NSW), Bronwen Watson (NSW), Sarah Cook (ACT), Sonia Mills (ACT), Liz Kell (NSW), Brooke Pratley (NSW), Sally Kehoe (QLD), Kate Hornsey (TAS) and coxswain Elizabeth Smith won gold with a 2.36-second lead on the Melbourne University crew which won the Silver medal. Whilst the two crews were roughly half a second apart for the first 1000, Hornsey’s crew managed to step away and bring it home with a final time of 6:08.95.
The School Eights took to the course just after 5:20pm for their semi-finals. The fastest time for the Schoolboys Eight was achieved by Scotch College when they took out the second semi final in a time of 5:52.03 from St. Joseph’s College and Geelong Grammar School. In the other semi final the qualifiers for the final were Shore School, Melbourne and Newington.
In the Schoolgirls Eight the first semi final was won by 11 hundredths of a second by Methodist Ladies' College from Presbyterian Ladies' College. Geelong Grammar School gained the final spot in the A Final on Sunday morning. In Semi Final 2 Pymble Ladies' College won ahead of St. Catherine’s School and Melbourne Girls' Grammar School.
The final for this event will take place 11:10am for the girls and 11:20am for the boys.
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Saturday 8 March
RA Media Release:
Ginn eclipses Tomkins in Men’s Four
In the Men’s Open Coxless Four, the main competition stood between the Surfers/Melbourne Uni/Mercantile RC crew of Karsten Forsterling (VIC), David Crawshay (VIC), Drew Ginn (VIC) and Duncan Free (QLD) and the Uni of QLD/UTS/Mercantile RC crew of Sam Loch (NSW), James Chapman, (NSW) James Tomkins (VIC) and Sam Conrad (QLD). With such a wide selection of elite athletes, most of which are members of the 2008 Australian team, this race was guaranteed to be dangerously close.
Whilst the Sydney University/Melbourne University crew of Matthew Ryan (NSW), James Marburg (VIC), Cameron McKenzie-McHarg (VIC) and Francis Hegerty (NSW) held onto second position for the first 1000-meters, Conrad’s crew managed to step up and challenge them with the two crews racing bow-ball to bow-ball until the last 500-meters. At this point, Conrad’s crew made a dominant step that enabled them to take out the Silver medal just under 2-seconds behind Free’s crew.
In the Women’s Open Quad Scull, the Mosman Composite/NSWIS crew of Zoe Uphill (NSW), Amber Bradley (WA), Kerry Hore (TAS) and Amy Ives (NSW) finished in first place with a comfortable 5.44-second lead on the Sydney Uni Composite of Sally Kehoe (QLD), Liz Kell (NSW), Kim Crow (VIC) and Brooke Pratley (NSW). Ives crew completed the final 500 metres in a time of 1:39.65.
The Huon Composite crew from Tasmania dominated the Men’s Open Lightweight Eight gradually increasing the gap throughout the race between themselves and the Silver medal winners from Toowong Rowing Club. The Crew of Nick Baker, Mark Rippon, Shaun Finlayson, William Breler, Blair Tunevitsch, Max Sondermeyer, Anthony Edwards, Tom Gibson and Coxswain Giles Harvey finished in a time of 6:03.49 to claim the National Title.
Maja Fiddler (SA), Miranda Bennett (NSW), Amber Halliday (SA) and Marguerite Houston (SA) made up the winning combination for the Women’s Open Lightweight Quad Scull. Whilst the Tasmanian crew of Kirsty Flemming, Emily Grant, Ingrid Fenger and Carly Cottam were first out of the blocks, they were unable to hold onto the lead and finished 4.33-seconds behind.
After winning the Men’s Open Coxless Four, Duncan Free (QLD) went on to also win the National Title for the Men’s Open Quad Scull with Brendan Long (TAS), Scott Brennan (TAS) and Dan Noonan (NSW). The South Australian crew of Matthew Bolt, Tim Hennessy, Chris Morgan and James McRae challenged Noonan’s crew right up to the finish line but were unable to step ahead.
Dominic Monypenny (TAS) won the final for the Arms Only Men’s Single Scull with a 14.6-second lead on Peter Taylor of Nepean Rowing Club. Monypenny also placed first in the Adaptive Men’s Single Scull Fixed Seat at last years National Championships.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Friday 7 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 5 Review
Today was a jam-packed day with 14 Open finals containing 75 elite athletes. Whilst the day began with high temperatures and a very light breeze, the weather has since changed to a chilly 23 degrees with a slightly strong tailwind.
Whilst all the athletes performed with great enthusiasm, there were several competitors that left a strong mark. This included Alice McNamara (VIC) who took out the National Title for both the Women’s Open Lightweight Single Scull and also the Women’s Lightweight Double in which she competed with Miranda Bennett (NSW). McNamara beat home four other 2007 World Champions in the Lightweight single.
Kim Crow (VIC) took out the Women’s Open Pair with Sarah Cook (ACT). Cook and Crow have been selected as the 2008 Australian Women’s Pair. Crow was also in the four that took out the National Title for the Women’s Coxless Pair today.
Tom Gibson (TAS) also managed to win two lightweight titles on the fifth day of racing, He won the Men’s Lightweight Single Scull before combining with Blair Tunevitsch, Shaun Finlayson and Nick Baker to win the Men’s Lightweight Four in an all Tasmanian combination.
In other major events, Pippa Savage (QLD) won the Women’s Open Single Scull and Dan Noonan (NSW) took out the title for the Men’s Open Single Scull.
Duncan Free (QLD) and Drew Ginn (VIC) won the Men’s Open Pair, Fergus Pragnell, Francis Hegerty, Terrence Alfred and Matt Ryan won the Men’s Coxed Four with Marty Rabjohns coxing them to victory.
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Friday 7 March
RA Media Release:
Crow on fire in Penrith
Kim Crow added her second national title in as many hours as part of the Women’s Four crew that won at the Australian Rowing Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
Crow was part of the Melbourne University Boat Club crew that included Phoebe Stanley (VIC), Sarah Heard (VIC) and Catriona Sens (VIC). They won the final in a time of 6:34.86 to edge out Liz Kell (NSW), Sally Kehoe (QLD), Brooke Pratley (NSW) and Kim Crow (ACT) by a bow ball.
Crow was delighted to win the two national titles and now is looking forward to the Queen’s Cup on Sunday.
“To win a national title is always a great experience and it is no different on this occasion”, Crow said. “I know all the girls in the Victorian Queen’s Cup crew are excited about the race on Sunday and we are looking to fly the flag for the big white V.”
The 2007 Australian double scull combination of Amber Bradley (WA) and Kerry Hore (TAS) won the final of the Women’s Double Scull in a time of 7:05.81 to replicate the title they won in 2005. Bradley and Hore won ahead of the Mosman crew of Amy Ives (NSW) and Zoe Uphill (NSW), with Catriona Sens (VIC) and Sonia Mills (ACT) coming home in third place.
Tasmanian’s Scott Brennan and Brendan Long won their third Men’s Double Scull national title in four years in impressive fashion. They completed the race in a time of 6:24.45 to lead home Tim Hennessy (SA) and James McRae (SA), with Nick Hudson (NSW) and Peter Hardcastle (NSW) third.
Victorian Alice McNamara completed the double in the women’s lightweight events. McNamara won ahead of an impressive field in the Women’s Lightweight Single Scull in a time of 7:48.68. She won ahead of Marguerite Houston (SA) and Bronwen Watson (NSW). In the final of the Women’s Lightweight Double Scull, McNamara teamed up Miranda Bennett to win the national title.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Friday 7 March
RA Media Release:
Savage defends national title
Pippa Savage (QLD) has taken out the national title for the Women’s Single Scull for the second consecutive year.
Savage won the final in a time of 7:29.84 to finish ahead of Kerry Hore (TAS) by three boat lengths with Sonia Mills (ACT) in third place.
Savage said it was great to defend her national title.
“I felt really comfortable through the first 1000m and knowing there was such a strong field behind me I forced myself to keep rowing strongly:, Savage said.
Dan Noonan (NSW) won the Men’s Single Scull with a time of 7:00.00. Chris Morgan (SA) place second with Nick Hudson (NSW) in third place.
Duncan Free (QLD) and Drew Ginn (VIC) also defended their title in the Men’s Pair. The duel world champions crossed the line in a time of 6:31.22 to beat home the 2006 national title winners Cameron McKenzie – McHarg (VIC) and James Marburg (VIC).
In the Women’s Pair Sarah Cook (ACT) and Kim Crow (VIC) justified their selection to the 2008 Australian team to win the final in a time of 7:11.40. Liz Kell (NSW) and Sarah Heard (VIC) were close behind in second place with Sally Kehoe (QLD) and Kate Hornsey (TAS) coming home in third.
More finals will be held later on Friday morning with results to follow shortly afterwards.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Thursday 6 March
RA Media Release:
Hore leads scullers through to final
Kerry Hore (TAS) has set the quickest time in the semi finals of the women’s single scull at the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships in Penrith.
Hore, part of the Australian women’s sculling group, won semi final 2 by two and a half boat lengths in a time of 7:43.9. Sally Robbins (WA) came home in second place, with Sonia Mills (ACT) also qualifying for the A Final in third place.
Pippa Savage (QLD) won semi final 1 in 7:53.38 ahead of West Australians Amber Bradley and Natalie Bale.
Hore said that she was happy with her row this morning and was looking forward to the final tomorrow.
“I had a specific race plan and executed it pretty well out there”, Hore said. “Sally rowed really well next to me and kept pushing me along. The final will be tough tomorrow as all the girls that made it are rowing exceptionally well.”
In the semi finals of the men’s single scull Chris Morgan (SA) and Dan Noonan (NSW) won their races and will enter their A Final as the favourites to win the national title. Peter Hardcastle (NSW) and Nick Hudson (NSW) will also feature strongly in the final.
Amber Halliday (SA) and Marguerite Houston (SA) won their semi finals in the women’s lightweight single scull and will battle it out in the final on Friday morning.
The finals will begin on Friday morning from 8am.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Wednesday 5 March
RA Media Release:
Australian Rowing Team go to Waugh
The Australian Rowing Team was today addressed by former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh at the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships, Penrith.
Waugh was appointed by the Australian Olympic Committee as one of three Athlete Liaison Officers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and one of the groups that Waugh will closely work with is the Australian Rowing Team.
During the Olympic Games Waugh will be responsible for liaising with the athletes, delivering motivational speeches and acting as an ambassador of the Australian Olympic Committee.
Today’s talk was Waugh’s first contact with the majority of the athlete’s he will be servicing during the Olympics and an important step in outlining his responsibilities.
“I am attending as part of my role as an AOC Liaison Officer. I am looking forward to an involvement with rowing, it is one of our leading, but least recognized sports. They have a great tradition of delivering medals for Australia”
Rowing Australia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dee said that the exercise proved an important step for the group in the lead up to the Olympic Games.
“Steve has stepped into his role of responsibility extremely well and all the athletes involved in the meeting now have a clearer sense of his role in the lead up to and during the Olympic Games”, Dee said. “It was a fantastic initiative started by the AOC and Rowing Australia is glad to have someone of Steve’s quality involved.”
The Australian Rowing Championships will continue on Thursday morning with the semi finals of the men’s and women’s single sculls.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Wednesday 5 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 3 Review
Day three of the Australian Rowing Championships has ended with 89 athletes qualifying for semi-final events and 29 athletes qualifying straight into a final. Although there were no medal events held today, there was still a strong crowd in the stands supporting the competitors with a great deal of enthusiasm. Despite a constant cloud cover across the course, the rain held as the wind slowly began to pick up this afternoon.
Today’s racing consisted of both repechages and heats, which kicked off with a strong performance from the Women’s Open Single Scullers Robyn Selby Smith (VIC), Anna O’Brien (NSW) and Suzanne Brown (QLD). These three athletes will enter the semi-finals after achieving the top three times respectively in the repechage. Pippa Savage (QLD) maintains the fastest time for this event by 3 seconds.
The repechage for the Men’s Open Single Sculls set a high standard for the semi-final with just 0.5 seconds between the three top times. This resulted in a win for Craig Jones (ACT) with a time of 7:22.39. Alistair Taylor (VIC) came in second with a time of 7:22.92, whilst Dave Dennis (WA), was just a mere 0.07 seconds behind. The top three scullers from each repechage will be competing along with the top four Men’s Open Scullers of Peter Hardcastle (NSW), Dan Noonan (NSW), Chris Morgan (SA) and Nick Hudson (NSW) in the semi-finals on Thursday at 8:12am.
The heats for the Woman’s Open Double Scull stole the spotlight as the day's biggest event. Amber Bradley (WA) and Kerry Hore (TAS) won heat 1 with a time of 7:03.51. They were the 2007 crew for the Australian Women’s Double Scull but unfortunately missed out on the Olympics by 1 spot. Second place went to Catriona Sens (VIC) and Sonia Mills (ACT) who are both world championship medallists. Third place went to Liz Kell (NSW) and Sally Kehoe (QLD). Liz was the 2006 Double Scull World Champion whilst Sally is a dual Junior World Champion. Both are members of the 2008 Australian Women’s eight.
Amy Ives (NSW) and Zoe Uphill (NSW) took out the second heat with a time of 7:07.64. The lightweight crew of Amber Halliday (SA) and Marguerite Houston (SA) were World Champions last year and today competed in the heavy weight division in preparation for the tough year ahead of them.
The first place winners of the heats will go straight through to the final whilst the remaining crews will compete in the repechage on Thursday for a last chance attempt to qualify for the final.
The underage events got well underway today with the heats for the Double Scull, Lightweight Double Scull, Coxless Four, Quad Coxed Scull, Quad Scull and Coxless Pair in the Under 17, Under 19 and Under 23 divisions for both Men and Women.
At 6:30 this evening former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh is coming to talk to the senior A athletes as part of his role as the AOC Liaison Officer.
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Wednesday 5 March
RA Media Release:
Heavyweight scullers win first round
The women’s double scull heats began today at the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships under cloudy skies at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
In what was built as the battle of the lightweights and heavyweights, the women’s heavyweight combination of Amy Ives and Zoe Uphill defeated the 2007 lightweight world champions Amber Halliday (SA) and Marguerite Houston (SA) by almost seven seconds. Ives and Uphill move straight through to the final with Halliday and Houston to race in the repechages.
Uphill said that she and Ives were happy with the row.
“The lightweights got out from the start really well and I think that helped us over the first 500 metres”, Uphill said. “The final will be very tough on Friday with some great crews out there but we are looking forward to it.”
In the other heat the 2007 Australian women’s double scull crew of Kerry Hore (TAS) and Amber Bradley (WA) won in a time of 7:03.51. They will also progress to the A Final after finishing ahead of Catriona Sens (VIC) and Sonia Mills (ACT), with third place going to Sally Kehoe (QLD) and Elizabeth Kell (NSW).
The repechages of the women’s double scull will be held on Thursday morning, with the A Final to be held on Friday morning along with a number of other open events.
These will include the final of the men’s and women’s pair, women’s and men’s single scull, men’s double scull and women’s and men’s lightweight single scull.
Full race results and updates will be available at www.rowingaustralia.com.au.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Wednesday 5 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 3 Preview
Atmosphere grows as finals loom
Day 3 of the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships offers a number of repechages and heats as finals begin to approach.
Racing will begin with the repechages in the open women’s and men’s single sculls for those athletes that did not place in the top two of their heats on Tuesday morning. These will be followed by repechages in the women’s and men’s lightweight single scull as well as a number of under age races.
The heats for the Leg, Trunk and Arms Men’s Single Scull will also be held before the highlight of the day sees the heats of the women’s open double scull begin.
In heat 1 the 2007 World Championship crew of Amber Bradley and Kerry Hore will feature in a very strong field against Elizabeth Kell and Sally Kehoe, as well as Catriona Sens and Sonia Mills. With only one crew going through to the A Final and the rest having to go through repechages, the intensity will be higher than normal.
In heat 2 the 2007 World Champion lightweight double crew of Amber Halliday will come up against the Mosman crew of great friends and members of the Australian shadow sculling squad, Amy Ives and Zoe Uphill. There has been much anticipation over the lightweight vs heavyweight showdown and all will watch with baited breath at their first clash for the week.
With the majority of the open athletes now in Penrith and a number of schools arriving on Wednesday, the atmosphere at the regatta is growing daily.
Stay tuned throughout the day for regular updates — visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Watch interviews with your favourite rowers on YouTube — click here —
Tuesday 4 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 2 Review
Day two of the Australian National Selection’s continued for the under 23’s division. These events were filled with hopeful rowers aiming for a chance at competing in the FISA World Under 23 Championships, which will be held in Germany this year.
Rowing Australia High Performance Director and Chairman of Selectors, Noel Donaldson stated that he “was happy with the performances of the winners of their under 23 events” although “some of the other athletes will have to improve their performances to be invited back to the next selection regatta in April.”
The Women’s Open Lightweight Single Scull heats began today with 19 strong competitors in the event. Alice McNamara (VIC) achieved the fastest time of 7:55.41. She is currently the reserve for the Australian Lightweight Double Scull.
Marguerite Houston (SA), who placed 2nd by 0.20 seconds, followed McNamara closely. Houston has been a dominant contender in the Women’s Double Scull with a World Champion title under her belt. Unfortunately in 2004, glandular fever made her miss the Olympics however McNamara has been picked as one of the favourites to win gold for Australia at the 2008 Olympics in the Women’s Double Scull.
Third place went to Bronwen Watson (NSW), with a time of 7:58.59. The finals for this event will be held on Friday at 10am.
Max Sondermeyer (TAS) led the Men’s Open Lightweight Single Scull heat, with a time of 7:22.90. Sondermeyer competed in the Under 23 division last year and is successfully making a dominant transition into the open division.
The second fastest time went to Tom Gibson (TAS) who has been selected into the Australian Men’s Lightweight Double Scull. Gibson has also placed fourth at the last two World Championships in this event. Bob Hoyes (QLD), who just missed out at the last selection regatta for the Lightweight Squad finished with the third fastest time of 7:31.38.
Pippa Savage (QLD) and Chris Morgan (SA) both qualified with the quickest times heading into semi-finals for the Open Single Scull with Dan Noonan (NSW) and Amber Bradley (WA) following closely behind.
Racing begins tomorrow at 8am with the repecharge for the Women's Open Single Scull.
Visit the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships website for full results.
Tuesday 4 March
RA Media Release:
Savage continues fine national form
Pippa Savage (QLD) has won her heat of the women’s single scull on the second morning of the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
Savage, who was crowned single, double and quad scull champion at the event last year won her heat in a time of 7:49.19 ahead of Sonia Mills (ACT) and Natalie Bale (WA).
Tasmania’s Kerry Hore also looked smooth across the water as she won Heat 3 in a time of 7:52.94, while Amber Bradley, having recovered from a rib injury set the second quickest time ahead of the semi finals.
Savage said that she was happy with her row this morning.
“It was a good race this morning and great to have Sonia in my heat” Savage said. “We both went for the first 1000, that is what I have been working on with my coach.”
In the heats of the men’s single scull, Chris Morgan (SA) set the best time in winning heat 3 in 7:10.68. He has qualified for the semi finals ahead of the Mosman pair of Peter Hardcastle and Dan Noonan who won their respective heats.
Marguerite Houston (SA) and Alice McNamara (VIC) won their heats of the women’s lightweight single scull, with Amber Halliday (SA) finishing second in her heat behind McNamara.
In the finals of the U23 small boat categories Lisa Szatsznajder (VIC) won the women’s U23 single scull with a fine performance. She won the race in a time of 7:51.20 to finish ahead of Natalie Bale (WA) and Laura Osti (SA).
Queenslander Jared Bidwell won the corresponding event for the men in a time of 7:06.17 ahead of Tom Swann and Chris Riddell. The West Australian combination of Libby Alderman and Emily Rose won the final of the women’s coxless pair by close to 5 lengths in the most impressive row of the morning.
A number of heats will be held this afternoon before more of the open boats begin their regatta on Wednesday morning. The heats of the open men’s double scull and men’s lightweight coxless pair were cancelled today with a straight final now to be held later in the week.
Full race results and updates will be available at www.rowingaustralia.com.au.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
Monday 3 March
2008 Australian Rowing Championships — Day 1 Review
Day 1 of the 2008 Australian Rowing Championships provided few surprises in the underage events at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.
Lisa Szatsznajder was the standout performer on Day 1 in the women’s U23 single scull. Szatsznadjer won her heat by five boat lengths, before winning her semi final in the afternoon by five seconds from Natalie Bale in a time of 7:59.20.
Szatsznajder, who gained some valuable experience at the Senior A selection trials in February, looked comfortable across the water in both races today and said she was looking forward to the final tomorrow.
“I was a lot happier with my race this morning, I find it a lot easier racing in the morning than the afternoon”, Szatsznajder said. “Tomorrow will be a great race and looking ahead at the field I think Nat Bale and Sarah Perkins.”
Szatsznajder won a silver medal last year at the 2007 U23 World Championships in the quad scull and will be looking for a gold medal this year in either the double or single scull.
In the men’s single scull Mercantile Rowing Club rower Tom Swann (VIC) won the first semi final in a time of 7:14.56 ahead of South Australian Matt Bolt. These two will enter the final tomorrow morning as the quickest two qualifiers and will be expected to battle it out for the national title and firm their grip on a world championship ticket.
Alexander Scharp (VIC) and John Linke (VIC) set the quickest time in the semi finals of the men’s U23 coxless pairs. Scharp and Linke won their semi final in a time of 6:43.60 and will be seeded first in the semi final ahead of the West Australian combination of Cameron Brewer and Rhys Grant.
In the U23 women’s coxless pair, WAIS pairing Libby Alderman and Emily Rose underlined their status as the favourites to take out the national title by setting the quickest time in the semi finals of 7:36.04. Alderman and Rose will be happy with their performance in front of the national selectors.
There were also a number of heats held in U19 and U17 racing, with full race results available on the ROMS website.
Monday 3 March
RA Media Release:
Sunny skies greet Australian Championships
The 2008 Australian Rowing Championships have begun this morning under sunny skies at the Sydney International Interstate Regatta, Penrith.
With no open races scheduled until Tuesday morning the main focus on the first day lies with the selection trials for the U23 athletes.
In the first race of the morning, Lisa Szatsznadjer (VIC), 2007 silver medallist in the women’s quad scull at the U23 World Championships, set a cracking pace to take her heat in a time of 7:59.49. She won the heat by over five boat lengths and will enter the A Final tomorrow as firm favourite.
Szatsznadjer, who recently competed in the Senior A selection trials in Penrith, is an athlete who has a bright future. Although missing out on selection for the Senior A crews this time around, expect her to be one of the front runners in four year’s time in London.
Racing will conclude at 5pm on the first day, before the Open Women and Men’s single scull begin their heats tomorrow morning.
Full race results and updates will be available at www.rowingaustralia.com.au.
For more information please call David Polglase on 0401 453 041
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