Shepparton Rowing Club members walk away with medal success
Men’s quad: Tom Nalder, James Darbyshire, Patrick Sharp and James Eldred.
Exciting medal wins for Shepparton Rowing Club were a top way to end the summer season on the water.
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It was cut-throat racing on the Maribyrnong River, where only winners from each heat progress to the final, making for thrilling events across the weekend.
Near perfect conditions at the Saltwater Regatta in Footscray on Saturday with challenging crosswinds at the Henley Regatta upstream in Essendon on Sunday.
Patrick Sharp and Tom Schier had success on both days, winning medals in their single events.
Big effort: Tom Schier winning the B-grade final.
A quick start is crucial in the short races, Sharp and Schier lead from the start and finished their events off strong.
It was Schier’s first time back racing after taking a break to complete university studies.
Sharp paired with Tom Nalder in the C-grade double scull impressing crowds on both days coming a close second in a nail-biting final on day one.
Sprint racing on day two had them first across the line in another close race.
Nalder, getting closer each race to catching Corio Bay opponent Zander Bailey in the under-15 single scull, is developing his racing technique and skill on the water.
Teamwork: Emily Belcher and Olive Thompson racing in the women’s double scull.
Shepparton’s Emily Belcher was unbeatable on the 350m sprint course in her single taking home a medal in her C-grade event.
Coach John Darbyshire was over the moon with the strong performances.
“Impressive results from the rowers inspires them to continue their training throughout winter in preparation for next season,” he said.
Darbyshire’s son James teamed with James Eldred to win the B-grade double which was a surprising win after poor results for the duo on Saturday’s 800m course.
Junior crew with their medals: James Darbyshire, James Eldred, Patrick Sharp, Tom Nalder, Olivia Anderson and Emily Belcher.
Success continued for Eldred on day two stroking the men’s quad to victory, winning another medal for Sharp, Nalder and James Darbyshire coxed by Oliva Anderson.
New sculler Amy Brown approached her first regatta with enthusiasm, joining Eldred in a mixed double, racing a good heat, but was unable to qualify for finals.
The pair also competed both days in a mixed quad with Anderson and Darbyshire.
Strong performance: Emily Belcher racing C-grade single scull.
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