This event has been sparsely entered compared to previous years, but there are still several standout crews worth mentioning. This preview breaks down the key entries and predicts the likely result.
Hamilton Boys High School
Despite not entering their true ‘Intermediate’ Eight into this event thus far, Hamilton Boys remain my pick to challenge for a podium finish. At the Christmas Regatta, a U16/Intermediate Eight was entered into the U17 Eight category as a second boat in the event. Finishing in third place, the crew is well positioned to kick on for the rest of the season, having been only marginally behind the ‘first’ U17 Eight crew at the Christmas Regatta. Similarly, finishing only four seconds behind a talented King’s College U17 Eight is an impressive result, particularly given that this King’s crew will be among the favourites to win the U17 Eight later at the Maadi Regatta. The North Island Rowing Championships has traditionally been the regatta where crews begin to solidify ahead of the end-of-season Maadi Regatta, and the Intermediate Eight presents Hamilton Boys with an opportunity to stamp their authority on the event, which is often contested primarily by U16 crews.
King’s College
Winners of the U16 Eight at the Christmas Regatta, and the standout U15 programme from last season, King’s appear to be carrying their form into the current campaign. King’s has performed well at this regatta in recent years, coming off the back of their summer training block, which transitions almost immediately into competition. A dominant win in the U16 Eight saw the crew claim an eight-second margin (nearly two lengths) over second place. Several individual standouts from the Eight have also featured regularly in the U18 Senior Eight, bringing experience from senior crews, where training standards and expectations are higher. The U15 and U16 programme at King’s College has continued to step up each season, and this year looks set to be strong once again.
Auckland Grammar
Another traditional ‘big boat’ programme, Auckland Grammar, has been absent from the success that King’s and Hamilton Boys have enjoyed over the past few seasons. However, the school has shown significant improvement this year; the First Eight appears to be firing again, while the junior crews have also taken clear steps forward. While the gap back to King’s College was sizeable at the Christmas Regatta, Grammar should still be in contention for a podium finish. They extended to a six-second margin over third place, placing themselves firmly among the leading crews in the field. An entry from Hamilton Boys would complicate the race dynamics for Grammar, but they will still be eyeing a lower medal.
Prediction
I would expect the primary battle to be between Hamilton Boys and King’s College, as they are the two standout U16 crews from the North Island. Of the two, Hamilton Boys may hold a slight edge, having consistently raced up a grade this season while continuing to perform well. King’s should not be far behind in second, with a notable gap likely back to third place.
