For the third time in four years the L. Bryant Memorial Cup will be housed at Toolamba with Lydia Todd awarded the most outstanding women’s rower for the 2020-21 season.
Todd had a stellar second half of the season making nine finals from 11 events, she went on to win four finals and a silver medal at the State Championships.
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Notre Dame College student James Darbyshire took out the most outstanding men’s rower, taking home the perpetual 1937 Shepparton Regatta Cup.
Darbyshire has been competing for five years, joining the club as an 11-year-old he has coxed many boats to victory and continually strives to improve his performance as a rower.
His father John Darbyshire was honoured with the service to club award for the valuable work as club captain and the extensive support and expertise he provides as head coach.
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Encouragement awards were awarded to Olivia Anderson, Tom Nalder and Sam O’Hora for club spirit and consistent efforts and improvement.
The club acknowledged the recent 10-year anniversary of its reformation after it lapsed in the 1960s.
The SRC was originally formed in October 1884.
Current club president Geoff Withers shared stories and highlights of the past 10 years.
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Guest speaker Mandhree Ekanayake provided the attendees with a most inspirational speech about resilience and overcoming adversity, especially in the context of these uncertain times and discussing the benefits and opportunities that rowing has provided for her.
Ekanayake reminded us that sometimes our future is not clearly mapped out for us and at times obstacles may get in the way of our path, but we must continue to take one step at a time to move forward.
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As we look to the future the club celebrated the best first-year rower Patrick Sharp, who was presented with the Booth Cup by Ray Booth in memory of his father Stan Booth, who won the trophy at the Rutherglen Regatta in 1947.
Sharp was also awarded the most improved rower for progressive improvement and commitment to training and competition.
Sharp’s younger brother Spencer Sharp won the most inspiring performance award for his exceptional performance as coxswain steering his crew to victory in the C-grade men’s quad scull at the Rutherglen Regatta in January in his first competition event.
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Other awards went to Emily Belcher (coaches award), James Eldred (club leadership) for the third year in a row, Chris Robey (quiet achiever award) and Emily Waller (most consistent award).
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Community Sporting clubs rely on the hard work and commitment of their volunteers, the awards were an opportunity to say thank you to club communications officer Karen Eldred as the best club person, for the outstanding contribution she continues to provide for the club.
Eldred was presented with the Schier Trophy and the Wright Plate, which was donated by Jean Wright after it was originally won by her father, who was a rower and club official in the 1950s.
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