The Head of the River is a huge day not only for the boys who row but indeed the whole school. Each crew pours hours upon hours of time and effort into their sport for this one race of the season. Keeping this in mind, to come out on top at the end of the day is an incredible effort.

This year, our Second VIII rowed an awesome race finishing in first place and almost five seconds ahead of second placed Shore and eleven seconds ahead of third placed Scots. From the banks of the river, it is very difficult to know how the crews are going in the early parts of the races with the live commentary impossible to hear over the cheering of over 10 000 students from all GPS schools. Having said this, early in the race word got back to the boys on the bank that our crew had made a strong start and were leading early in the race. They were able to keep this strong lead to win the race by a convincing margin and there is no doubt that it was a victory enjoyed by not only the crew but all the Joeys supporters on the bank and in the stand.

For Year 11, this is a wonderful achievement with five of the nine boys in the crew being in Year 11. They have been a crew that has gone about their preparation in a quiet and unassuming manner and maintained superb modesty despite their achievements.

Congratulations to George Davis (Sutton), James Hookham (Kings Langley), Ben Quinn (Hunters Hill), Jake Finnane (Blaxlands Ridge) and Nick Rainnie (Tewinga) on their win of the LC Robson Memorial Trophy – the first time that Joeys has won this trophy since 2002.

Photo 1: The Second VIII steam ahead during the race.

Photo 2: George Davis (Sutton), James Hookham (Kings Langley), Ben Quinn (Hunters Hill), Jono Hardy, Daniel Lewis, Jake Finnane (Blaxlands Ridge), Nick Rainnie (Tewinga), Joe Bokeyar and Lachlan Mount celebrate being on top of the podium.