Rowing: Best remain at top

Those tipping the established order to be bumped aside in the premier events at the National Secondary Schools Rowing Championships were out of luck.

Usual transmission was the order of things over the weekend at Lake Ruataniwha in the boys and girls under-18 eights finals as Hamilton Boys' High School retained the Maadi Cup for the fourth straight year, while Rangi Ruru of Christchurch defended their Levin Jubilee Cup title from a year ago.

In doing so, both reinforced their pre-eminent status in schools rowing.

In addition, the formidable girls' school won the Star Trophy, which is awarded to the most successful school at the annual regatta.

After a week in which racing was severely hindered by unhelpful winds, forcing rescheduling on several days, organisers pushed through 42 finals, plus B events on Saturday when the weather held good.

Westlake Boys High School had beaten Hamilton in the North Island championships eights final a fortnight ago at Lake Karapiro. They had high hopes of backing that up in Twizel.

Instead, Hamilton, buoyed by the roars of the crowd of about 5000 lining the bank, bossed the race from the start. Westlake tried desperately to bridge the gap down the stretch but in the end crossed 2.19s behind Hamilton, who won in a sharp 5min 55.64s.

Westlake were shattered, but Auckland Grammar were delighted with their third placing, and have a likely looking combination for next year's championships in the making. They were 5s behind Hamilton.

Christ's College were pushed into fourth while perhaps the gutsiest row of the race came from Kings College, who took fifth, having had the worst of the breeze starting in lane eight.

It was a grim double finale for Westlake. Its girls' school had to settle for silver in their eights final, 6.42s behind Rangi Ruru, whose eight included Eve MacFarlane, who won three gold medals on finals day.

Hamilton and Rangi Ruru also won the sought-after Springbok Shield - so named as it comprises a mix of South African timbers - and Dawn Cup for under-18 coxed fours.

The South Island took home the top single sculling honours. Louise Livesey of Timaru's Roncalli College won the Stephanie Foster Cup for under-18 girls singles; Ollie Behrent of Invercargill's James Hargest High won the Charlie Stapp Cup in the boys' equivalent.

Rangi Ruru would not be denied the Star Trophy, finishing with five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, gathering 33 points.

They were six points ahead of a strong effort from Marlborough Boys' College, with St Peters of Cambridge third a further point back.

The President's Scull for top sculling school went to St Peters, while the Executive Trophy for best sweep oar school went to Rangi Ruru.

Of the record 114 schools who attended the regatta, 23 won A finals - 13 among the boys' events and 10 in the girls'.