WITH cricket and speedway abandoned due to the rain, rowers took to Lake Hamilton for the Hamilton/Nestles Rowing Regatta on Saturday.

Both Hamilton Rowing Club and The Hamilton and Alexandra College (THAC) had representation, along with clubs from as far away as Melbourne and Shepparton.

Local success was also spread across the day, with both clubs having winners.

Adam Cameron, Tom Nagorcka, Molly Walker, Archie Young and Jake Alexander combined to win the Male Under-17 Coxed Quad Scull final across 1000m and 750m for THAC, while Millie Mould, Sophie Hill, Hannah Wilson, Claudia Cochran and Jemima Koch won the Female Under-17 Coxed Quad Scull final across both distances also.

Aaron Skinner (Nestles Rowing Club) and Alan Clarence (Hamilton Rowing Club) topped the Male Masters Double Scull, while Josh Frichot had a stunning day on the lake, winning the Male A grade Single Scull, along with the Male Masters Single Scull across both distances.

Debbie Millard and Eliza Millard won the Female C grade Double Scull across 750m, with the two combining with Kerri Ross, Katelyn Millard and Rachel Millard to collect winning honours in the Female C grade Coxed Quad Scull.

Hamilton Rowing Club captain Ash Quinsey, said it was tough conditions, but it was a competitive day of rowing on show.

“Hamilton Rowing Club was excited to get back on the water for a home regatta with Rowing Victoria backing,

“Despite weather conditions, racing was fast-paced,” she said.

“All crews enjoyed a fun community atmosphere and we were delighted to have (tourism, sport and major events minister) Steve Dimopoulos at the regatta to build regional sports tourism and events with state support.”

Strong local results also kept morale high among the two Hamilton-based clubs.

“We were delighted to have THAC’s junior male crew medal twice across the day, competing against Warrnambool, and Melbourne-based clubs,” Quinsey said.

“This should motivate crews ahead of the second half of the season, with prestigious invites to attend the Ballarat-associated schools regatta at Lake Wendouree in March.”