Scotch College

Scullers’ success on the Yarra

Words: GREG BAKER • CHAIRMAN OF ROWING

Scotch single scullers took out the first eight places in their division of the scullers’ Head of the Yarra on 18 August.

As well, all 10 Scotch scullers finished within the first 12 places in the challenging and torturous 8.6km race from Hawthorn Rowing Club to the Melbourne rowing sheds. The field consisted of 130 scullers starting at 10 second intervals, and included scullers from across Victoria ranging from school age to elite.

Simon Brown, who rowed in the bow seat of the 2007 1st VIII, recorded the fastest time, followed by Tom Simpson and James Sparkman in second and third places respectively. In addition to winning the division, Simon Brown also won the Harry Yoffa Shield as the fastest sculler in this time trial.

This event was a great opportunity for Scotch rowers to compete and test themselves in a long-distance event. Apart from sustaining hard rowing for the 8km, there were numerous bends in the river, as well as other scullers and bridge pylons to negotiate along the way.

Having completed the course, the Scotch scullers found the row back up to the School boatsheds to be more of a challenge than the race itself. The sun was well and truly up, hands were blistered and bleeding and the boat seats were becoming more uncomfortable by the second.

Although the mood of the competitors was not improved when they were greeted by coaches and parents enjoying a coffee at the Como Park bend, they were pleased with their efforts and the results they achieved.

Scotch scullers who competed were Simon Brown, Tom Simpson, Karl Buchhorn, James Sparkman, Will Kitchen, Charlie White, John Fingleton, Emil Breidhal, Will Bernard and Nick Bernard. GS