Crews descend on lake for Head of the River

THE largest Tasmanian oneday rowing regatta will unfold today when 660 athletes descend on the picturesque Lake Barrington International Rowing Course.

Year seven to 12 students from 12 Tasmanian independent schools will compete in all boat classes from single sculls to eights in the annual Head of the River competition, which dates back to 1916.

The regatta, hosted by the Sports Association of Tasmanian Independent Schools (SATIS) and Rowing Tasmania, starts at 8am with the open boys’ quad and open girls’ four, with the final events just after 4pm arguably the most anticipated of the day — the boys’ and girls’ open eights.

The Hutchins boys’ eight, coached by Alex Thompson, will be difficult to beat after a commanding win at the Tasmanian All Schools regatta, with Scotch Oakburn, Launceston Church Grammar and The Friends’ School putting their best crews forward to chase down Hutchins.

The girls’ eight from St Michael’s Collegiate, coached by Neil Stump, also has had a suc- cessful season.

Fahan, coached by Stephen Ireland, shouldn’t be discounted after continuous improvements throughout the season. With crews from Launceston Church Grammar School, The Friends’ School, Scotch Oakburn and St Mary’s College, it is sure to be a competitive race.

The under-16 eights from Hutchins and Collegiate will be the ones to beat. All races contribute to overall point scores, with schools vying for several shields. Presentations will be at about 4.45pm. pennant and school