On Thursday 9 March, a squad of 36 from the Shirley Boys’ High School row squad traveled south to Lake Ruatuniwha to compete in the 2023 South Island Secondary Schools Championships. They joined over 1100 rowers from 50 schools around the South Island, all vying for South Island titles over three days of competition.

Through heats, semi-finals and finals the performed with distinction in a number of events. 13 crews qualified for A finals, placing them in the top 8 crews in the South Island, with a further 8 making B finals.

The Under 15 squad was especially dominate in their age group, winning medals in all the age group events. This included;

· Bronze: Under 15 Double Scull

· Bronze: Under 15 Eight

· Silver: Under 15 Coxed Four

· Gold: Under 15 Coxed Quad

Against some of the best rowers in the country, the senior crews also performed well making a number of finals. Unfortunately several boats fell just short of a medal in wind up to the finish line. With tired legs after a number of races, senior rowers Tim Chapman and Oliver Ellis were able to hold on to secure a bronze medal in the Under 18 Double Sculls. A well deserved result from the senior squad.

To come away from the South Island Championships with five medals including a South Island title is an excellent result for the entire squad. It places them in good stead at they travel to Lake Karapiro to compete in the Maadi Cup from Monday 27 March. We wish them all the best as they represent us on the national stage.