𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 – 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝟭 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮

What a start to the Pennant season with an absolute stunner of a day! Extra-early morning loading saw both rowers and an unprecedented number of furry friends descending on the shed. Whether or not puppies truly assisted in the loading process is ultimately unclear, however what they lacked in useful digits or limbs, they certainly made up for in boosting morale and cuteness. Coxing legend Keana Hall perfectly described how everyone was feeling – ‘I’ll keep coming to loading if the dogs are here!’

Arrival at Champion Lakes found what must be one of a rowers’ favourite sights: glassy water. Such a marvellous way to begin the day, particularly in contrast to the breezes battled by crews in the Perth to Fremantle Head Race.

Westies scullers started the day off well, with Georgia Seed taking out the first race of the day, winning the WA/B1x by over a length of clear water. Following up strongly, the time trial format of the top sculling event saw Alex Baroni finishing third overall, closely followed by Gus Lauffman who took the bronze position in the top division of the MA/B1x to take out fifth fastest time overall. Continuing the strong sculling performances in her WA pennant racing debut, Maddi Ford took out the WC1x with a convincing win.

Ollie Hickman and Aaron Crawley kicked off the sweep events, taking out the silver in the MC2-. Not to be outdone, the Westies MB8+ took gold over both the WA and SA Pathway crews. Next it was the women’s turn. Alyssa Capewell and Kate De Marchi took silver in the WC2- with Finlay Gobby and Clare Baroni taking Bronze. Crews combining Clubbies, brand-new schoolgirls and Women’s squad rowers had a convincing win in the WD4+ and a solid second place in the WC8+.

As the morning progressed, a strong cross breeze brought some significant drift across the course, leading to multi-lane adventuring for crews in both racing and aligning.

Special mention to Xavier Dawson and pair partner Alex Cartwright who took out the dubious honour of the being lucky enough to be christened by the questionable waters of Champion Lakes. Blame was swiftly placed on an improperly fastened gate in spite of multiple rumours claiming otherwise.

As racing continued, the WARC Men’s B4- took out a bronze, in a close finish behind the UWABC crew. Sharing their race due to a shortage of competitors, the Westies’ Women’s A8+ had an early foray into Lane 0 and visited the reeds, but upon recovery, took full advantage of the opportunity to race to the line. The Westies Men’s A8+ put out a solid performance but unfortunately were unable to catch the reigning state champs from Swans this time.

A dramatic final event for the rescheduled WA4- saw the Westies crew leading through a very tight race, only to be pipped on the line by the fast finishing crew from SRRC.

In spite of a number of last minute changes, WARC crews rolled with the punches and put out some awesome performances. Bring on Pennant 2!

Pennant 1, WARC medal count: 6 Gold, 7 Silver, 4 Bronze

An awesome start to the season. Go Westies ❤️💛🖤