Being arguably the most anticipated race of this regatta, the Men’s Premier Quad is set to be a fiercely contested event with no clear winner going into the event. As we inch closer to the NZ Rowing Championships, crews racing in the premier event will be looking to dust off any remaining cobwebs before they set their sights on a red coat at the next regatta up at Karapiro.
Dunstan Arm Rowing Club ‘A’
Taking out first and third in this event in 2025 was Dunstan Arm ‘A’. This crew took a comfortable six-second victory over second place, which established them as clear contenders for the national title. With auspicious results so far this season, it’s hard to look past this crew to take out this event, so expect to see them right up at the top.
Dunstan Arm Rowing Club ‘B’
Following the theme, is Dunstan Arm ‘B’, who have followed their ‘A’ crew closely this season, look poised to take second place. The internal competition within this squad will have pushed all Dunstan Arm crews ahead of their competition, as evident in the one-two-three Dunstan Arm podium in the Men’s Premier Quads at Canterbury Champs. Few feats could better convey the squad depth and dominance of this prestigious club. Expect to see this crew in second place for the South Island Rowing Champs.
Avon Rowing Club
Finally, I expect a crew from Avon RC to come in third. After missing out on third place to Dunstan Arm RC ‘C’, they would have had time to reflect and likely rejig a few things to put them up on the podium. With a couple of young guns in the crew and their ‘B’ crew close on their heels, the motivation will be there to put a performance on the board and put their names in the hat for a podium at the NZ Rowing Champs. Expect to see Avon ‘A’ in third place.
Predictions
After the results from Canterbury Champs, it’s relatively clear we will see two Dunstan Arm RC crews on the podium, with the possibility of a third Dunstan Arm crew or one from Avon. I expect it to finish Dunstan Arm RC ‘A’, Dunstan Arm RC ‘B’ and Avon RC ‘A’ in that order. However, the door remains open for that third place, so this event will be one to watch closely.
