North Island Secondary Schools (NISSC) stands as the last regatta for North Island schools to gauge their speed before Maadi. For some athletes it may be their final regatta of the season, or for some a chance to prove that they can perform well in a high pressure scenario. We see ever-changing crews throughout the season, so coaches will be looking to make final selections for their Maadi crews based off results at this regatta.
Boys’ U17 Eight
The boy’s U17 eight is always an exciting event to watch as you can see an indication of which schools will be competitive the following year for the Maadi Cup. So far this season we have seen many schools stand upon the top step, showing that this event is anyone’s at NISSC this year. We have seen strong performances by Auckland Grammar School, with a win at North Island Clubs in the club eight, and a very close second at Auckland Rowing Champs by only 0.09 seconds. Another strong contender would have to be King’s College, with third place at Head of Harbour, second at Christmas regatta, and third at Auckland Rowing Champs by only 0.86 seconds. A silent crew that has only just appeared recently at Auckland Rowing Champs is St Peter’s College, with a win at Auckland Rowing Champs in such a tight field, I wouldn’t put it past these boys to storm the field and attempt gold at NISSC.
If I was to name a winner today I would have to say Auckland Grammar but it really is anyone’s game for the podium at this regatta.
Boys’ U17 Quad
The other main event, particularly for sculling schools, is the U17 quad. Again, another event with many different winners so far this season. A standout school throughout the season would have to be St Paul’s Collegiate, one of the major sculling schools, especially in the North Island. A win at Auckland Rowing Champs, as well as second and third at Christmas Regatta, cements some good results behind them. They also bring depth in other sculling events such as the double and single, making them a formidable force in the quad. Whanganui Collegiate, a school known for their record number of Maadi Cup wins, has proven strong this season in the U17 quad, with a win at Christmas, second at Auckland Champs and third at North Island Champs. Another notable schools would have to be St Peter’s Cambridge, with excellent sculling results across all ages throughout the season.
This race is largely open like the eight, but a podium, I say would feature at least two of the schools mentioned.
Boys’ U17 Four
A definite podium for the U17 four would have to include King’s College and Auckland Grammar School, with both schools stepping onto the podium multiple times this season. Both of these school’s eights are strong, which has definitely shown up in the four so far this season, with many of these boys going for North Island U18 trials, they will be wanting to perform well at this regatta.
Boy’s U17 Double
A standout performer so far this season would be St Paul’s Collegiate, these boys being in the quad as well shows that these are some of their best scullers on show. Again, all boys in this event will be looking to do well in hopes of receiving a North Island U18 trial.
NISSC is shaping up to be an exciting regatta to watch this season especially for the U17 boys. It will be interesting to see how things play out and what events schools prioritise at the last regatta before Maadi.
