Men's Eight defeat GB at home as Men's scullers shine on Henley Saturday

By Chris McCarthy with the Australian Rowing Team at the Henley Royal Regatta

Australia’s Men’s Eight broke British hearts on Saturday as they delivered a stunning defeat over Great Britain in the semi-final of the Grand Challenge Cup.

It comes as Australian crews also secure finals berths in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup and Queen Mother Challenge Cup, whilst Sydney Rowing Club progressed to the finals of the Wyfold Challenge Cup.

The Men’s Eight, with a changed line-up from the crew that contested World Cup Lucerne, faced the unbeaten British lineup in wet and windy conditions in front of a packed Henley crowd.

The crew, stroked by past winner and course record holder of this event Alexander Hill OAM, took a decisive early lead of one third of a length as they emerged from the shadows of Temple Island.

That lead was maintained through to the mile marker whilst underrating their British rivals, where they extended to two thirds of a length, the eventual winning margin.

Coxswain Nicholas Dunlop credited his crew’s early lead as key in their performance.

“We knew we had less to lose and they had more on the line, we wanted to get away cleanly and be really calm during the race and I think we did that really well," Dunlop said. 

 

"From there we just focused on our own race, we didn’t have to get caught up in a race, it made it much simpler for us.”

Earlier in the day, the Men’s Double of Oscar McGuiness and Mitchell Reinhard overturned the highly experienced Belgian duo of Brys and Van Zandweghe in a start-to-finish victory to progress through to tomorrow’s final.

The double led early and, despite a small crab in the middle of the race, maintained a two-length lead throughout the second half of the race to qualify for their debut Henley Royal Regatta final.

Reinhard acknowledged his competitor’s pedigree, while reflecting on their race plan.

“The Belgians are tough competition; I’ve been watching them since I was 18 years old and they were racing the lightweight double so there’s a lot of respect for what they’re capable of," Reinhard said. 

I find it more fun and exciting to watch the race from in front when you feel a little more comfortable, rather than being on the back foot."

"That’s exactly what we did, I did catch a crab, punched me in the throat pretty hard at one point there - but luckily it wasn't so bad that I couldn't regain it, and we were back onto it pretty quickly. From there it was just manage it, create some nice rowing, and try to enjoy the crowd.”

The final Australian team crew to secure their finals berth was the Men’s Quadruple Sculls, who took to the water in slightly calmer evening conditions against Spain.

The two crews were yet to race this season, bringing an element of intrigue to the race.

Rating lower off the start, the Australians were able to gain a small advantage by the barrier, before opening a clear water advantage at the mile marker.

Spain mounted a late charge but were not able to overcome the margin built early by Australia.

In the Women’s Eight, Australia faced Great Britain once again, vying for a finals race in the Remenham Challenge Cup.

Combining the Silver medal Women’s Four with members of the Women’s Eights Bronze from the World Cup in Lucerne hopes were high to go deep into the competition.

The Women’s Eight battled worsening wind and rain in their semi-final.

Great Britain led the race early by a third of a length, a margin that held until the mile marker. Australia put in a mighty surge at this point, however the spectators roar buoyed Great Britain who responded to win by two thirds of a length.

Seven seat Eliza Gaffney said the crew were appreciative of the opportunity to race before returning home to train for September’s World Rowing Championships in Shanghai.

“We were hoping to take the trophy back this year but it’s still a nice way to cap off the tour, especially with all the friends and family here to support," Gaffney said. 

Women's Single Sculler Laura Gourley OLY campaign also came to an end today, following a fierce matchup with Denmark’s Frida Neilsen.

The two were even off the start, however the stronger mid-race rhythm of Neilsen saw her pull away from Gourley in the middle of the race, recording an ‘easily’ margin.

“This year is more of a learning year for me than anything, so yeah it’s great to get a hit out, lots of learnings.” Gourley said.

Sydney Rowing Club continued their charge in the club events, winning the semi-final of the Wyfold Challenge Cup against Thames ‘B’, to progress to their first Henley final since 2019.

Stay tuned for a preview of all the Australian action in store on Henley Royal Regatta finals day.