Firstly, the HP Squad congratulates Anna Morrison and Summer Kellett on their selection into the U23 W8+ for the U23 World Championships!
June has been a busy month for the club, with the women’s squad in the UK for Henley Royal Regatta and the men’s squad training in Melbourne for the upcoming season.
Youth and development coaches Ed Ryan (Men) and Tom Creber (Women) have done a great job leading their squads during this transition period, while incoming Head Coach Scott Rowe has been away at World Cups 1 and 2. Both Ed and Tom have been actively engaging younger athletes and coordinating crew boat sessions throughout the week.
Henley Royal Regatta was a highlight.
The Wargrave crew (Club Women’s Eight) had a strong showing, racing up a division at Henley Women’s Regatta and qualifying through the time trial. This earned them a preselection and a bye in Round 1 of Henley Royal Regatta. The Diamond Jubilee crew (Junior Women’s Quad) also performed well, reaching the quarterfinals at Henley Women’s and earning a first-round bye at Henley Royal.
Our national team athletes continued to shine internationally.
Angus Widdicombe joined Jack Robertson in the Men’s 8+, placing 2nd at World Cup 2 after a strong battle with Germany. Austin Reinehr and Fergus Hamilton won gold in the M4-, edging out Romania. Emmie Frederico moved into the W4-, finishing 2nd to the USA. Paige Barr placed 8th in the W2-, while Hayley Verbunt helped the W8+ to a 3rd-place finish with a newly formed crew.
After the World Cup, national team members joined Mercantile crews at Henley Royal. Dom Frederico led his crew to the semifinals, while the Prince Philip crew (Junior Women’s Eight) faced a tough draw and were knocked out early. Both the Diamond Jubilee and Wargrave crews reached the quarterfinals, falling to eventual finalists. The Australian W8+ raced strongly but were narrowly defeated by GB. The Australian M8+ was victorious, winning the Grand Challenge Cup. Congratulations to Austin, Fergus, and Jack!
We now look ahead to welcoming Scott Rowe to Melbourne and following our athletes at the U23 World Championships (Anna and Summer) and World University Games (Sophie Reinehr).
Jordan Roberts – HP Athlete/Committee Member
