Director of Sport Anthony Lynch said the crew, including Captain of Boats Sam Morgan (stroke), Harrison Tyler, Will Halliday, Max Welborn, Jordan Charsley, Sam Marsh, Julian Bell, Brody Rezos (bow) and Edward Kermode (cox), rowed a fantastic race in perfect conditions.

Mr Lynch said the crew included only one member, Harrison Tyler, from the winning 2011 eight. “The boys showed their class earlier in the month by winning a bronze at the Nationals and gaining that racing experience over four days,” Mr Lynch said. “But when it comes to the Head of the River, your form over the season counts for nothing, so to be able to put it all together when they absolutely needed to last Saturday, is a terrific effort.”

The Second VIII may not have won its race on the day but it did manage to break a record. The crew put in a great effort, finishing second to Trinity, while also breaking the record for the fastest Second VIII time.

Mr Lynch congratulated First VIII coach Simon Cox (Class of 1981) and Director of Rowing Steve Saunders on the success of the Christ Church rowing programme.

The early morning starts began at the end of Term 3 in 2011. Over the course of the season, the boys attended a four-day training camp in Greenough as well as a tour to Adelaide, in which they competed in the South Australian championships.

Photos courtesy of Mel Halliday and David Payne