bow seat
Frank Nicholson (4)
This page's predictions and speculation are certainly interesting, but i dont see what exactly they are based on. The assumption that Newington will do well this year seems especially unsubstantiated and given the results of previous years it is frankly impossible that they will knock off such strong rowing schools like Joey's and SHORE.
With that in mind i'll give my own prediction - based off the crews i've seen out training and the results of previous years.(but there hasn't been a single race yet so this is still speculative)
1st - Shore with an outstanding yr 10 VII which smashed the comp last year by open water every race and a solid 2nd placed 2nd VII Shore have the best prospects. combined with a rowing culture which consistently produces results they should be the favourites
2nd- Joeys a very strong yr 10 eight and the best rowing program at any of the schools. with 5 morning water sessions a week they will do very strongly.
3rd- Scots having produced solid results and a huge rowing budget scots has a lot of potential. They won the 2nd eight last year and placed second in the first 8. Scots no doubt has a good program and the boys have the work ethic to match
4th- Kings, with an incredibly young first eight last year with a 5- 6 yr 11s in the first eight and a 3rd place 1st yr 10 eight king have good prospects. However with their lackluster performance over recent years i dont think their coach and culture is on par with joeys or shore.
5th St Ignatius with a mediocre yr 10 VIII and nothing special coming up i cant see this being the year Iggies break the podium. happy to be proved wrong but there don't seem to be signs of anything extraordinary. with the last win way back in 1973 its been a hell of a time since they last won
6th Grammar - this is not going to be the year for the boys in black. After a strong crew last year which ranked 3rd over the season but dissapointed on the day, this year is probably going to be about rebuilding. Im told they have a large percentage of year 11's but two freaky year 12s with sub 620 erg scores and the scull scores to match. Don't write them off as grammar crews usually improve over the season but i don't really think they can make the podium.
7th Newington. I know everyone is talking them up so much but it seems to be completely groundless. Their yr 10 eight was very weak and finished behind grammar in most races. Further newington dont have anything unique that will help them make the podium. no freak down at 6;10 or anyone who has the expierience at rowing at a competitive level. They were out sculling the other day and were doing some pieces. This could have been a not top groub but they were getting blitzed by some Grammar boys. Anyway, i dont think the so called super coach isnthat much better then all the others (esp Shirlaw from Joeys) and even if he was the results will come in a few years time not right away.
8th - High, uncompetitive trend should continue.
My first post on this page in a while, and why not get back on it with a placing prediction.
I think you have a fairly accurate guess for the podium however I have to disagree with you on two fronts, first St Ignatius, I think they will be much more competitive this year than people seem to be giving them credit for.
Also Newington 7th? I mean even I find this just a little bit ridiculous, the boys from Stanmore may not be up for the top prize this year but to rule them completely out of it is quite unjustified, I would've placed them at 4th, maybe 5th at worst. However as always you're entitled to your opinion and so am I, guess we'll have to see how this one plays out.
Also LBA don't be shy, you can come out now the season has almost kicked off
Bow seat out