Ged Wall was in action during the Aoraki 1000m Regatta at the weekend. Photo supplied.Ashburton rowers have hit the water running, and the season’s prospects look promising.

The Ashburton Rowing Club’s 2020/2021 squad were unleashed on the waters of Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel at the weekend for the Aoraki 1000m regatta.

It was the opening regatta for all of the novice rowers, with 50 per cent of races a mix of senior and novice competitors.

Ashburton Rowing Club president Justin Wall said the regatta was a lower-key event, one which provided an opportunity for the newer rowers to get among the action.

The boys’ under-16 coxed line-up of Tim Connelly-Whyte, Mitchell Taylor, Henry Wallis, Charles Savage plus Lily Davidson came first in the A final.

Another first was secured by the contingent of Matthew Pearce, Riley Harris, Liam Taylor, Jed Amos plus Jade Jung in the 50 per cent novice men’s coxed event.

After placing second in the heat, Isabel Wall replicated her result in the girls’ under-15 single sculls A final.

Wall then joined siblings Veronica and Ged in the women’s open coxed quad sculls, alongside Charlotte Cox and Davidson, to clinch second in the A final.

Ged Wall secured third in the men’s open single sculls A final, one-upping his heat placing.

Top three finishes ensued in a handful of other events.

Claudia Thomas, Meagan Binnie, Chloe Braas, Leah Reid plus Jed Amos wrapped third place in the women’s 50 per cent novice coxed quad sculls’ B final.

Pearce, Harris, Reid, Sienna Skilling plus Binnie clinched third in the men’s 50 per cent novice coxed quad sculls A final.

The team of Cox, Isabel Wall, Coty Cuadrado, Sophie Gibson plus Davidson finished third in the corresponding women’s A final.

The regatta was ultimately abandoned due to high winds, meaning a number of events did not eventuate.

The Ashburton club’s squad for the season comprises of 26 rowers. The 2000 metre Ashburton Club Regatta is set to be held on November 28-29.

By Adam Burns  © The Ashburton Guardian - 5 November 2020