The NSW All Schools Championships is set to deliver some fierce racing in the Schoolboy Quad event, one of the last major markers before the Christmas break and a crucial indicator of how programs will shape their summer training blocks. While not always the headline act of the NSW calendar, this weekend’s racing at SIRC promises intensity, tight margins, and early-season statements from some of the state’s strongest school programs.
Kinross Wolaroi School
Kinross arrives as the benchmark program, entering an impressive three quads into this year’s event. Fresh off a standout 2024-25 season that included a trip to Henley Royal Regatta and a silver medal in the Schoolboy Quad at Nationals in Lake Barrington, the Orange-based powerhouse looks poised to continue its dominance.
Their top crew, expected to feature L. Soster, H. Bell, H. Searle, and T. Buckland, with J. Petersen in the cox seat, has already shown elite form this season. They claimed victory at the Loreto Normanhurst Regatta in a quick 6:47.61, signalling both depth and speed early in the season. Under the guidance of coaches A. Gannon and B. Watt, Kinross maintains one of the most successful school programs in NSW, and their top quad will start the weekend as clear favourites.
Redlands
Redlands also front up with three quads, reinforcing their growing depth and competitive intent. Their leading lineup, likely to include T. Anderson, C. MacDonald, H. Dobson, and C. Morrison, coxed by H. Preece, has already shown strong baseline speed. They secured second place at the Loreto Normanhurst Regatta in 6:51.28, placing them within striking distance of Kinross.
Redlands have steadily built consistency across their senior squad in recent seasons, and with this crew showing early cohesion, they are well positioned to pressure the frontrunners and convert their strong start into podium success.
St Augustine’s College
St Augustine’s brings a single entry to the event, but the quality of that boat ensures they cannot be overlooked. Their top crew – featuring H. O’Hare, H. Wise, L. Schofield, and R. Parker, with H. Goldsworthy coxing – finished third at the Loreto Normanhurst Regatta in 6:56.71, demonstrating competitive speed. It will be interesting to see how they go without star international cox, Ryder Taylor.
Coaches A. Noon and J. Ungemach have shaped a disciplined and well-drilled crew that thrives on tight racing. With continuity across the rowers from their previous outing and signs of improving form, St Augustine’s remain a genuine podium threat.
Predictions
With their proven national pedigree, depth, and early-season speed, Kinross Wolaroi stand out as the crew to beat and should take the top step of the podium. Redlands possess both the momentum and structure to secure second and apply real pressure. St Augustine’s, while lighter on entries, brings enough quality to round out the medals. Expect competitive margins and a tight three-way contest, but Kinross holds the edge heading into the weekend.
First – Kinross Wolaroi
Second – Redlands
Third – St Augustine’s
