Brisbane Girls Grammar School has achieved its strongest result in the Brisbane Schoolgirl Rowing Association's history, winning the Head of the River 1st and 2nd VIII races for the first time.
The 31st Head of the River event took place at Wyaralong Dam near Boonah last Saturday against all odds when earlier in the year it looked as though Australia's premier schoolgirl rowing competition wouldn't happen at all in 2020.
The BSRA hosted four spectator-free regattas, rather than the usual six hosted by the nine member schools, and Year 8 competition was canned when it was judged there wasn't enough time for preparation in the time available after the initial season postponement.
BGGS put a total of 73 rowers across Years 9 to 12 on the water on Saturday, racing proudly in their Grammar Blue to finish with 10 podium results including the big one, the 1st VIII final.
The crew of Grace Robinson, Claire Saggers, Sophie Lucas, Ellyn Hill, Nancy Duncan-Banks, Tylah Hutton, Eloise Young, Bronte Cathcart and Chelsea Ashby, coached by Blaine Heseltine, claimed a breathtaking 1.71 second win, overpowering St Hilda's in the final stages of the race.
Related: From Hughenden to Head of the River
BGGS director of sport Jo Duffy said the 1st VIII race was particularly exciting.
"The girls demonstrated great strength and commitment to the very end," she said. "Rowing is an extremely challenging sport, and our girls have risen to the occasion throughout the season, working hard during training, performing well at season regattas and coming together as a team to seize every opportunity."
She said the depth in the rowing squad had been cultivated over many years by the school's former rowing coordinator, Sally Callie, current head coach and coordinator, Darcy Wruck, and the coaches.
According to Mr Wruck, the 2020 season had been very successful overall for the school.
"The year has presented some unique challenges, and the school adapted to changing circumstances to minimise disruptions to the girls' training and performances throughout the season," he said.
Overall, BGGS finished third in the Aggregate Trophy, thanks to seven wins, two second placings and one third place.
In March this year, Brisbane Grammar School's 1st VIII won the GPS Head of the River open pennant for the first time in 13 years, holding off The Southport School in what was one of the last mass sporting events to be held before Australia went into lockdown.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
