Rowers from The Armidale School have delivered strong performances at the NSW Schoolgirl and Schoolboy Head of the River in Sydney, with podium finishes and season-best efforts across the board.
Competing at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on 14 and 15 March, TAS crews showed their depth, with standout results from Isabella Henderson and Tildy Coddington.
Henderson claimed gold in the Schoolgirl Single Scull, powering through the 2000m final to win the NSW Union of Oarswomen Golden Scull Trophy in a time of 8:29.13, finishing well ahead of the field.
“Having previously earned a bronze and a silver at Head of the River over the past few years, I’d been reflecting on how special it would be to complete the set with a gold,” Henderson said.
“With my support team riding beside me, I executed my race plan and was really proud to come away with the win.”
Coddington also reached the podium, taking bronze in the Year 10 Schoolgirl Single Scull.
Other TAS crews recorded strong results, including two Year 10 coxed quad scull teams who narrowly missed podium finishes, both placing fourth in their division finals.
The senior girls crew progressed through their heat to reach the Division 1 final, finishing eighth against strong competition.
In the boys events on Sunday, the Year 10 coxed quad scull crew placed sixth in the Division 1 final after finishing third in their heat, while the Year 9 quad scull crew also narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth in their final.
Bodhi Kavanagh delivered a personal best performance in the Year 10 single scull, just missing a place in the final.
TAS Head of Rowing Harry Rorke said the results reflected the commitment of the squad.
“All the crews did so well and were really pleased with how they performed,” Mr Rorke said.
“Although they train on a dam and have less time on the water than their Sydney counterparts, their grit and determination show they can be just as competitive.”
A total of 45 TAS rowers competed at the regatta.
While the majority of the squad has wrapped up their season, several rowers will now turn their focus to the national championships at Lake Barrington in Tasmania later this month.
Isabella Henderson, Tildy Coddington, Izzy Coddington, Georgie Jones, and Layla Macfarlane are set to compete across single, double, and quad scull events from 23 to 29 March.
“Izzy and I rowed there for last year’s Nationals, so at least we are familiar with the course and know what we are up against,” Henderson said.
“From now until Nationals, it’s all about focusing on my overall wellbeing, staying well-nourished, perfecting my race plan, getting good sleep, and making the most of my final opportunity to compete at a schoolgirl national championships.”
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