ARES, our new pair!

Last week Tuesday saw the naming of ARES (our new John Waugh Pair Oar) by legendary “rowing mom” Felicity Fussell. Two of her four sons were at the ceremony: Andrew, who rowed for South Africa in the early nineties - and James who is actively involved in rowing and officiating to this day. Mr. Fussell Senior, otherwise known as “Bob”, was also in attendance, proud of his families’ strong contribution to rowing and to the school over the years.

The pair was kindly donated by an anonymous old boy. This is an important step for the club, having been short of a quality pair for many years. It will allow more specialisation in this boat class, not only bringing more points at regattas, but also giving our boys a better chance to perform in National Squad trials in March next year.

The boat was unveiled at a special ceremony at the Rob Wray Pavilion last Tuesday night, after which Parents and a few old boys shared stories in the pavilion over a few quiet drinks.

Thank you again to all that were involved, it was really memorable evening.

ROWING OLD BOYS DINNER

In The Family Room at Old Edwardians Club:
Corner 11th Avenue and 4th Street Houghton
On Wednesday 22 September 2010

At 19h00 for 19h30

Gentlemen only

Dress Code: Jacket and Tie

RSVP: Julie Steinhobel on 0789235985 or at juliesteinhobel@gmail.com

Cost R250 per person

We are trying to re-establish contact with our old boy network and would really appreciate as much support as we can get. The club is currently resurgent and we think it is important for the current boys to get to know their roots. Many of us found rowing to be the best part of our experience at school and that it has shaped our lives to a large extent.
Lets get together and remember some of the good times.

South African Junior Rowing Championships Results 2010

Overall, King Edward placed 4th in the overall boy’s club trophy and took eight medals, the same number as last year. Amongst many fine results, the following crews were awarded Championship medals:

U14 Octopul (Bronze)
U15 Octopul (Bronze)
U15 Quad (Bronze)
U16 Double Scull (Silver)
U16 Quad (Bronze)
2nd Eight (Bronze)
1st Four (Silver)
1st Eight (Bronze)

The rowing club ends off a good season showing good promise across all age groups. In the flagship event, the 1st eight retain their position as fastest Gauteng crew. Very disappointed not to win it, the 1st eight fought well in an exceptionally close final. Crossing the finish line just behind SACS and St. Andrews College, there were only 2 seconds separating the medallists over the 6 minute race.

For a full set of results go to http://www.regatta.co.za/

Thank you to all our supporters over this season, we look forward to seeing you later in 2010.

Boatace results

The crew raced well, especially on finals day. They pushed off St. Benedicts early on the course and powered home to victory in the "B" Final for 3rd and 4th positions. The margin was just over 30 seconds at the finish.
It wasn't without incident however, there was a bit of drama at the start of our race because one of the backstays broke in the early stages. Fortunatley we had a spare on hand promptly, thanks to St. Johns College who row in the same boat as us. Within about 20mins the race was soon underway. West bank proved a good choice - getting enough advantage on the first dog-leg straight to get clearwater and take our own line for centenary bend.

The UK touring team from Abingdon took home the gold in a relatively tight "A" final against SACS from Cape Town. Incidentally, Abingdon were finalists at Henley last year (2nd place)against the dominant crew from Eton College. Henley Royal Regatta (The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup) is undoubtedly one of the most competitive events in the world for school boy eights.

Overall a great regatta once again, KES stays close to the top and focussed on progress into the rest of the season.

The girls quad event was won convincingly by St. Mary's and the St. Andrews girls combination took home the silver medal.

We will post regatta times for heats and finals once published...

To Port Alfred we go

So onto the flight tomorrow morning (06h30). The crew will fly over the boat trailer that leaves at 4am from St. Stithians College...
The final camp went well and the boys are ready to give of their best. A real sense of excitement to end off the first half of the season. Thanks to the various sponsors who have contributed to the team tour costs - and made the tour that much more feasible for us.
A big thanks to all who support us too... If you are coming down, see you in Port Alfred...

Belated Gauteng Champs Results...

The weekend of 31st October/1st November saw the staging of the Gauteng Championships Regatta, which was also a celebration of the 50th year of rowing at King Edward VII School.

Results were as follows:
In open eights our 1st eight won convincingly. The 2nd eight placed 5th ahead of all other school 2nd crews and the 3rd eight placed 13th overall. In the other premier boy’s event, the coxed four, King Edwards claimed Gold by just over a length. Our 2nd four won the B final, leaving them in a commendable 9th position overall.

In U16, the “A” four achieved 6th position and McNeill placed 7th in the singles event, his best result so far this year.The U16 double also placed 8th.

In U15 the performance was a little down on the season so far.The Octopul was 4th, just off a medal. Patrick Colbourne managed the “A” Final in the single this week and ended 8th. The quad brought home the Bronze medal, as did the Double: both stroked by Miller.

In the new U14 group we placed 6th, 8th, 10th and 11th in the doubles event. Daniel Kelly was a commendable 4th in the singles event and the Octopul also ended just off Bronze, in fourth.

Overall, the club was placed 4th in the points trophy for boy’s schools. Very good to see KES pulling of the Double Gold in 1st four and 1st eight events this week.

Old Mutual Schools Boatrace: 11th and 12th December 2009

Boatrace training in full swing now - The event is to be held on the Kowie River as usual. For more info go to http://www.sasru.co.za/. This year supported by Abingdon School in the UK. King Edwards 1st eight will go off 6th in the head race heat on Friday the 11th of December. This is our finishing rank from last years race. Then crews get paired off into finals based on their time in the heats. The crew goes in with high hopes having had a successful season so far.

The race is fast becoming a showcase event. It is an attraction for overseas crews - earlier in the year there was a Kiwi University eight participating at the big brother event, the Old Mutual Universities Boatrace, held every year in September.