The duo demonstrated the depth of talent in Corowa Rowing Club’s junior rowing ranks.
Sienna McFarlane, of The Scots School, took to the water first in the Year 9 single scull category, where a victory in one of the four heats was crucial for advancing to the A final.
Competing in the second heat under perfect conditions, McFarlane’s rigorous training paid dividends as she led from start to finish, securing her place in the finals.
There, she executed a strategic race, advancing from third to second place, ultimately clinching the silver medal by outpacing competitors from Korowa Anglican.
The year 10 double sculls event saw Imogen Wragge, from Saint Paul’s Walla Walla, join forces with McFarlane for their debut race as a team.
It was not the best of starts as the Corowa crew hit an early buoy, allowing the Fintona crew, who flew out, to take the early lead with the Corowa crew two lengths back in third place.
The Corowa crew settled and had their boat up and moving as they started to reduce the margin. The crew were making inroads with each stroke, and by the 500m mark, the margin was less than a length.
Making the call, the crew pulled up alongside the early leaders and over the last 250m, the Corowa crew pushed clear to take the win.
It was a real character-building row, proving you are always in the race. This a lesson the girls will remember for future regattas.
The final featured this season’s unbeaten locals from Geelong, Sacred Heart and Gennazano College from Melbourne. After a better start, the Corowa crew was well placed, with little separation between the crews after 20 strokes.
The race pace picked up as the local crew moved with the Corowa crew responding to move into second place.
At the 500m mark the Corowa girls were having a great row keeping pace with early leaders, pushing them right to the finish line to win the silver medal six seconds behind the winners.
With each race, the improvement was evident as the girls now prepare for the state championships in Ballarat next week.
The club will have a full field of entries at the state championships starting on Friday, March 1 and Saturday for the 2,000m events, with the club and grade rowing over 1,000m on Sunday.
