Over the last four days our Maadi Cup squad have been competing in Twizel on Lake Ruataniwha, in near perfect conditions.

Today was the first day of Finals and the first crew up were our U17 8+. The crew had a good start out of the blocks. Early pressure came from Christ’s College and Hamilton Boys'. At the 900m pressure was applied and the Bede’s crew had clear water over the other crews. There was a late charge by Hamilton Boys' at the 250m mark but it was all but done, with a comfortable win in 6min 5sec securing our first Gold for the regatta.

The crew comprised Josh Hamer, Sam Woodgate, Jack Dennehy-Coles, Luke Hickling, Thomas Woodgate, Matthew Glen, Sam Earl, Luke Mc Brydie + Max Walsh

The U16 4+ was the next crew up at 1:40pm with four of the rowers from the previous race heading back out, Josh Hamer, Luke Hickling, Thomas Woodgate, Matthew Glen + Max Walsh. Heading back out in under an hour proved a little much for the lads who placed 5th, with Auckland grammar taking the line honours.

Throughout the week our crews have made good progress in their heats, repechages, quarter finals and semi-finals, with just the 2nd Crew in the U17 8+ not advancing beyond their repechage. That means all 16 rowers and three coxswains have finals in other boats over the two days of finals.

Our rowers have been well cared for by the House Parents and are excited by the fact that the recent changes to Covid Rules involving outdoor events now meant their families and supporters can be here to watch them in the finals.

For those unable to attend, live coverage of the event can be viewed on the following link LIVE STREAM : Aon Maadi Cup or copy and paste https://maadi.co.nz/livestream

The schedule for Saturday is: