At the regatta over the weekend, the Otago Girls’ rowing team competed at the highest level in the South Island Secondary Schools Championships against other schools. Our small and competitive squad posted some very impressive results in the three day event. In the heats, half of all schools’ teams were eliminated because of placings, nearly all our squad made it to A or B finals.

We were affected by sickness over the weekend and had to pull our rowers out of several races which we have never done before. Although we were all disappointed, it also created some new opportunities for some of the team. One was Emma Small who made the top 12 in the South Island in an event that she had never rowed in before. Simply amazing result!

The finals day was extra challenging caused by some windy conditions that most rowers struggled with. The highlight for OG’s was the Girls Under 18 single that was won by Harriet Thompson. She led the race for most of the way and won by a good margin against some very good rowers.

Although none of the other crews won medals, some came incredibly close and should be very proud of what they achieved as good preparation for Maadi cup in two weeks’ time.

· Under 18 Single – Harriet Thompson –1st

· Under 18 Double – Harriet Thompson and Islay Merriman - 4th

· Under 18 Quad - Harriet Thompson, Maggie Hepburn, Lilly Moors, Islay Merriman & Cox Lilly Falcous – 4th

· Under 17 Single – Maggie Hepburn – 4th

· Under 16 Single – Kate Merriman – 5th

· Under 15 Octuple – Frances Donald, Ariana Oswald, Eva Reynolds, Sophie Moors, Mila Hill, Milly Hoeta, Claudia Harcombe, Je Te Tau & Cox Ruby Merriman – 5th

One medal and whole lot of close races will keep the 12 girls representing the school at Maadi hungry to do even better. The other rowers that are not going to Maadi Cup will be proud of the season that have been part of and will be returning to the club in a few weeks’ time for our 2023 open day where new rowers are encouraged to come along and try out a sport that OG’s has been very successful in over the last few years.