On the weekend, 16 Richmond rowers, coaches, supporters and a cox descended on Penrith for the 2012 NSW State Grade Championships. What an incredible weekend we had. Once again the NSW competitors proved to be tough and unrelenting opponents but Richmond’s presence (both on and off the water) did not go unnoticed!
With a record number of scullers competing, our two WD2x crews progressed through to the semi-finals with Karen and Cat taking on the final and placing 5th overall. Our two WC2x crews rowed strongly in their heats with Michelle and Rochelle progressing to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Rachael singlehandedly took on the WD1x and cruised her way through heats and semis to place 6th overall in the final. Both Cat and Rachael represented Richmond in the WC1x with Rachael progressing through to the semi-final.
Richmond’s WD4x stroked by Michelle with Nat, Karen and Rochelle competed in an eventful heat and following a re-start progressed through to the final, just missing out on a medal in a very close race placing 4th overall.
Our sweep rowers also had some great results with the WD8+ being cheered all the way along the course by Bec from the coxing seat. The crew of Emily, Karen, Cat, Kate, Rochelle, Michelle, Karin and Lindsey crossed the finish line first and then danced their way to the podium to collect their gold medals as the Richmond footie anthem ‘Tigerland’ rung out across the loud speakers. Our WD4+(Emily, Kate, Rochelle and Lindsey) impressively powered down the course in their heat and placed 5th overall in the final. While the WC4+ (Emily, Kate, Cat and Karen, coxed by Bec) affectionately nicknamed the “gigantors” pushed through to bring home a bronze medal.
Not forgetting the boys the closest finish of the weekend (3rd umpire required and a nail biting wait for the photo finish) went to Dennis and Aaron who placed 3rd in the MD2x heat (with 0.02 secs separating 2nd-4th) to progress through to the semi-final.
Our coaches had their own battle off the water dodging bikes and spectators but their shouts to push harder together with the roaring from the Tiger supporters under the Richmond tent egged us all on. The whole Richmond team, in our stylish black t-shirts emblazoned with yellow tigers, certainly stood out and exhibited our united front.
Behind the scenes too there was a lot of action, beginning early on with organising accommodation, crews and t-shirts and also over the weekend itself. We had roadies bringing the trailer (thanks very much to Barry for taking charge of that task), shoppers, chefs, choppers, cleaners, videographers with some invaluable (and cringe worthy at times!) slow motion footage and photographers (including Bec Cam from the cox seat)….just to name a few.
Well done Richmond and thanks to all for a fantastic weekend!
Look out NSW, we’ll be back next year….just try outrowing a tiger!
Kate K & Karen D