Metropolitan Championships 2007

Metropolitan Championships 2007
Wanda Beach

An early start with the boats rolling out of the shed pre 6am.

We were greeted at beautiful Wanda Beach with category 4 conditions with the only things left on the beach were dog chains and igloos.

After putting it to the vote the boats were unloaded and were 1st & 2nd on the sand. The tent erection was not so straight forward and we were only second tent up Shauno can we please get the instructions for the tent to forward to the juniors.

Macca started the day well getting fined for stating last week “In all the years I have been rowing we have never used the tent sides” Well now there is a first for everything and when needed the sides were in safe hands back in the shed so the new MPA tent resembled a lean too in the Narrabeen Caravan Park.

Spiders- It was the second outing for the spiders and they looked out of sorts early when the big red fire engine fell through when it was called out to rescue a cat up a tree. The Macca Jackeroo was mobilised and the boys back on track.
On the water the Spiders were again in the mix through the rounds with a solid first up win. The guys relaxed well and used their length to an advantage pushing the boat long through the drive phase of the stroke. this rowing suited the tough conditions and saw them push past many crews who are a lot fitter. Starts are still their best asset setting up their run to the cans, as their fitness increases they will definitely be able to hold a pace that we see a lot of crews having to come from behind to catch them, definitely a crew to watch.

Tucks – Tip for the week recalibrate and change the batteries in Bootie’s GPS.


Krakaz- Have been in danger of falling behind the pace of the quicker reserves crews recently, They have at times showed patches of quality rowing with good length and technique generating enough speed to match it with the top crews. However, these patches of billiance have been to few and far between. Too often during races they have fall in to a rutt and let the good crews past. They started well in their opening round until Riddo thought Kinga needed a spell and pulled up a mooring and tied the ISO up for a breather. Later on the beach Riddo claimed he had never caught a fish before and could not let the opportunity pass.
Their rowing was solid for the rest of the rounds but consistency was still missing. Scraping into the semi when the officials broke their abacus and let 14 crews through, the boys made the most of their chance and put together there best row to date qualifing for their first final of the season.
They started well in the final and lead into the tins but as you know little mistakes hurt in rowing and there turn and run home let them down when Ando borrowed boothie’s GPS

Tucks – Tip for the week believe in yourselves and at the end of the day have a Krak

Garricks- Continuing their good form from Queensie were impressive through the rounds with a 1st, 2nd and a 3rd. While numbers were down in the U/23’s the quality of crews was very high. The most impressive thing with the Garrick’s effort was the vast improvement they made in dealing with those kinds of conditions. With a relaxed long drive through the water and powerful finish the boys showed they are right on the pace in all conditions and only a whisker from winning their first carnival with their second, second placing this season. If the boys can stay relaxed and continue to start well they will continue to improve and lead a lot of races. Lachy remember keep your eyes on your fries (thanks for the beer).

Tucks – Tip for the week patience and focus on the big prize and lots of buoy turns.


Giggles- The conditions were very testing for the girls and they handled them well. They need to make sure they drive with their legs from the catch and use that acceleration to push the boat through the water and increase their layback to make the boat run. They were unlucky to finish only fourth after three rounds. Fitness is still a key for the girls but with a lift in your out of boat training you could find yourselves raising a few eyebrows later in the season.

Tucks – Tip for the week keep up the smiles and work hard out of the boat you are becoming an important part of our team.

Crockers- In their second appearance for the season the boys were tested in the conditions and realised that their concentration and complacency effects their ability to push the boat through the water efficiently. There is no easy fix for experience, strength and fitness, remember guys most of the crews you are rowing against have at least one full season under their belt, so keep at it and work on one thing at a time. In the mean time you really need to lift you intensity and quality of work out of the boat.
Find out when the other crews are running and in the gym and jump in with them and push YOURSELVES……. The technique will come, but in the meantime get your selves as fit and strong as possible so as the rowing improves you have the fitness under your belt to run with the leaders….

Tucks – Tip for the week Train hard and take every opportunity to race another crew you need to get the experience

The whole day was a great success for the Roy with some of the best team work the Tuck has seen, the turn out at the Taren Point Tavern after a solid day racing was sensational. There is a great feel amongst the team at the moment lets keep it going.

Next carnival is a big double header starting with Freshwater on Australia Day. Lets make a huge effort to get back the Club House after and celebrate another good days play……
We are then off to Manly for what is a great yard stick for any crew wanting to feature on Sunday at the Australians.