Rowers reap rewards on water

• Archie Burke, Jamari Lockhart and Monty Brown rowing for Launceston Grammar won the Under 16 Boys VIII.

March 22, 2023

By Taylor Clyne

Rowing across the region has come to a close after a finale event like no other at Lake Barrington on Saturday with the annual Head of the River competition.

Schools from across the state turned out featuring the best of the best rowers in juniors and seniors but all eyes were on the main event, the Eights Championship a 2000m distance.

Rowing for Scotch Oakburn College, Cameron Auton raced in the Senior First VIII with a nail-biting effort with the team being beaten by half a length by the Hutchins School.

In the Under 16 VIII local trio Archie Burke, Jamari Lockhart and Monty Brown rowing for Launceston Grammar were able to bring it home to win the 1500m Junior Championship race.

In other events on the day Springfield’s Eliza Auton stroked the Under 16 girls coxed IV to win in the division one race.

Herself and Lucy Wilson also from Springfield, raced in the Open First VIII event placing a cred-itable fifth for Scotch Oakburn College.

Springfield’s Bella Wilson and Bridport’s Charlie Barron placed second in the Under 15 Girls Quad event.

With Bella’s grandfather Robbie McDonald coaching some of the Scotch Oakburn College Juniors throughout the season. 

The competition marks the completion of rowing for the season after a gruelling number of races on back to back weekends including the State Championships and Henley on Tamar event. 

Jamari’s mum Kim Lockhart said the sport was a large commitment for students, especially those from rural areas.

“These students are training six times a week, getting on the water before 6am as well as participating in strength, conditioning and ergo sessions.

“There is a lot of discipline that goes into rowing, they are responsible for the boat, screwing it together and pulling it down again and racing in regatta’s almost every weekend.

“There is teamwork, great motivation and fitness, it’s wonderful to watch them all,” she said.

“At the events they meet kids from all over the state, it’s a great atmosphere.”

Season will start again at the end of August, with the first regatta normally in November.

• Siblings Cameron and Eliza Auton who both rowed in their respective First VIII Senior crews over the weekend for Scotch Oakburn.