ROWERS returned to the course at the annual Barwon Regatta in Geelong across two days last weekend.

Hamilton and Alexandra College (THAC) female Under-19 coxed quad scull opened Saturday’s racing, making a strong first impressions, with a heat time of 6:14 across the 1500m course, successfully progressing to the final.

Despite the crew of Syliva Page, Macy Cameron, Finlay Cameron, Lucy Roberts, Cox: Milly Howells’ best efforts, reducing their time by three seconds, they finished behind Ruyton Girls’ in first with a time of 6:02 and Korowa AGS in 6:10, who narrowly pipped THAC at the line, who secured a bronze placing in 6:11. 

Hamilton Rowing Club President, Alan Clarence, started the local contingents Sunday racing in the male C grade single scull.

Clarence was unable to secure a finals berth following a strong effort from a Hailebury sculler who finished first in the final, in a 1000m time of 3:59. 

Clarence went on to race in the Para double scull with Aaron Skinner from Nestles, Dennington.

After a strong last season, the duo finished in a rocketing 4:07 ahead of two Hawthorn crews.  

In other races for Hamilton, Ruby Kent, Ella Shelden, Leoma Bahntoff, Sienna Maddocks, Cox: Eliza Millard debuted for the green and pink, with strong effort in the B and C grade quad sculls. 

THAC’s Jemima Ross secured her first final berth in the hotly contested female Under-15 single scull.

The young College student fought hard in her heat, securing first ahead of Wendouree-Ballarat and Barwon crews. 

In the final, pace went up a notch, with Ross unable to match the strong efforts from Mercantile sculler, Cat McNeil, who locked in the medal in 4:47, Barwon, Wendouree- Ballarat taking out the placings. 

Final berths continued for THAC with the male C grade quad racing through their heat behind Footscray City in 3:55. 

Oliver Pern, Clyde Innes, Harry Dorahy, George McMullen, Cox: Adam Cameron were unable to keep pace across the middle stages of the 1000m final, securing bronze in 3:53, 10 seconds behind first placed Barwon. 

Further final births for the THAC contingent included female A grade coxed quad, female Under-15 double, male B quad and female C quad scull. 

Rowers from both clubs will hit the water this weekend at 2022 Wendouree Ballarat Regatta, with 1400 athletes competing across both days of racing in what will be a hotly contested regatta.

Clubs will use these events for standing as they head into next month’s state championships, also to be held at Lake Wendouree.