SBHS Rowing show great character at the South Island Secondary Schools Championships

The South Island Secondary Schools Championships is second only to the Maadi Cup in size and prestige. It is used by crews to hone their skill and fitness levels prior to the National Championships. This was made all the more difficult for all schools in 2022 with the impact of COVID effecting all squads. The SBHS Row squad was no exception with several boys withdrawing from the regatta just prior to departure. Despite this, a squad of 36 travelled south to Twizel for the three day regatta.

With several combinations effected, the coaches worked hard to put together new crews wanting to give every squad member every opportunity to row. Despite the late and forced changes, the SBHS Row Squad produced some pleasing results through the regatta.

Racing against 48 row schools from around the South Island (and some travelling down from the north), the SBHS squad made 18 A finals (top 8 in SI) with three crews medalling. The Under 15 Double and the Under 15 Quad secured bronze medals while the Under 17 double won a silver medal. While far from the usual medal haul that the SBHS Squad has won previously, with the forced late changes to crews, the results were very pleasing as they showed the wider strength of the group. Several boats finished fourth in their finals, often with untried combinations which is testimony to the character shown by the squad throughout the season.

The squad now moves it’s attention to the National Championships (commonly known as Maadi), starting on Monday 28 March. With a history of notable performances at the Maadi Cup, we look forward to meeting the challenge in 2022.

Planning has already begun for the 2022-2023 season with Year 9 students being invited to register their interest in rowing. Training for the new squad will begin in August 2022 before the squad comes together for the summer season in October. If you are interested in registering interest in rowing for the 2022-2023 season, please email Rob Wilson-Pyne at rnw@shirley.school.nz