Corowa Rowing Club made the trip to Geelong to race on the Barwon River with four crews entered in the Junior Schoolgirl State Championship regatta.
Illness struck overnight, with two rowers unable to compete so crew change and a scratching were required. This saw Imogen Tomlinson move out of the year 10 single scull and into the year 10 double scull with Sommers Hogan.
With nine crews entered, three heats were required needing to win to progress to the A final. The Corowa crew raced in the second heat with three crews lining up at the start.
Sommers and Imogen got out with a controlled start to keep level with the other crews for the first 200m. The Corowa girls made their move at the 500m mark, and they were able to push clear of the field and record a comfortable win against Melbourne Girls College and Footscray HS and progress into the A final.
The A final featured three crews Albert Park College, Firbank Grammar and Corowa.
With confidence after the heat win, the Corowa crew came out fast taking an early lead. The Corowa girls were powering away leading by one length at the halfway mark. With the rest of the field trying a last effort, the Corowa crew were well in control crossing the line six seconds clear. A remarkable achievement by the girls, as the combination haven't been training together for this event.
The coaches Wes Canny and Emily Tidd were very pleased with the crew’s ability to adapt to the situation.
The club’s attention will now turn to Rowing Victoria State Championships in Nagambie. March 3, 4 and 5. The first two days racing is over the 2000m course culminating with the club events on Sunday racing over 1,000m.
The club will then prepare for the Prestigious Head of school Girl’s regatta back in Geelong, with nine schoolgirls representing six schools.
If you are interested in finding out more about the sport and club, call on Monday to Thursday from 4.30pm. Come and try days to start soon more information in the coming weeks.