News

APRIL 2024 NEWS

Provided by your faithful correspondent Trident.

Past News can be found via the drop down menus under News.

Paige Barr savouring the moment after stroking the winning 2024 Queen's Cup for Victoria

News covered this month:

ANZAC Day Service
Boat namings - 20th April
Albert Park Masters
Vale John Rowe AM
Easter Regatta results
Wentworth Entries
Interstate Championships in review
National Championships in review
Vale Arthur Adams QC
Princes Bridge renovation works
Drink wine to help the Club, now that is an idea
Member profiles

ANZAC Day Service

Published 26th April 2024

The Captain led the ANZAC Day commemoration last night at the boathouse before those present at that time.

He noted that the Club annually remembers those members who were killed in action or on service for their country. Members of years past promised their comrades that at least once every year, their names should again be heard in the boathouse.

Sadly the last of our WWII and Vietnam serving personnel have gone and the stories that they told during our commemoration in past years captivated us. This has not stopped us remembering each year one or more of these members who did not return.

Club historian Andrew Guerin recounted the story of a WWI member who has not previously been the subject of our ANZAC Day Service - Robert J Robertson.

Robertson was a natural leader of men and demonstrated the key characteristics of the ANZAC Legend, namely courage, tenacity, resourcefulness and mateship. His actions on the day of his death are recorded in Charles Bean's official history of WWI. His story is also a tragic love story - leaving behind a lover who he named as his next of kin as a cousin. She pined for him and despite being married, actively sought information of his progress, much to the chagrin of her husband. Robert died in the battle for Monquet Farm on 26th August 1916 and is buried at Pozieries.

Robert's story can be found at: Rower profile of SGT Robert J Robertson (rowinghistory-aus.info).

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them or the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Lest we forget

Boat Namings - 20th April

Published 21st April 2024

A day of considerable celebration always follows a boat naming and Saturday was no exception.

Three boats and the new boat trailer were the focus of our attention. The following images provide a summary of the celebrations.

The Meghan Hester

Lining up the bottle for a decisive hit

The perfect hit

And the exhilaration

And then beside the boat before a row

The row

The Julie Orr

The Orr Family

The hit

The aftermath

An excellent result

The Will to Win

Sam Patten asked that his honour be named the "Will to Win", a rallying call of the Late Jim Sprigg. His mother Patsy Patten did the honours.

Patsy and Gina discuss the task at hand

Patsy has obviously done this before.

Enjoying a job well done

The Trailer Al

Recognising our Patron Sean Colgan with a play on words of his nick name "Trader Al" followed with the new boat trailer donated by him.

The honours were done by the Captain, Alex Clarke.

Again a good hit

And a good job splattering the bubbly over the trailer

Albert Park Masters

Published 21st April 2024

Mercs has not been a big force in masters rowing but things might be changing. Whilst our entry was small, the Club finished with three wins.

In the Women's quad scull, Carmel Loch, C Rodriguez, Roisen Rea and Nalini Blacker won their race well. Below, on the way to the start.

The men's masters coxed four was also a good unting ground with wins in division 1 and 2. In division 1 Nick Reynish, Conor O'Callaghan, Andrew Rees, Jason Nevins, and cox Jack Lin won well despite rowing in a boat too small and changing sides. Below the crew preparing the boat.

The two winning men's crews sporting their medals

In division 2, Euan McMinn, Mark Groves, Geoff Barden, Andrew McDonald and cox Seb Jenner also won. Below getting onto the water.

Our winning team

Vale John Rowe AM

Published 12th April 2024

Sadly John Rowe died this week, another one of our great and long serving members (74 years).

John joined from Geelong Grammar along with other Mercantile greats such as Brian Dawe and Garth Manton. As a top talent, he was rapidly promoted through the ranks to the senior eight and then the Victorian eight where he won in 1954.

Just when he was about to form part of the group making up the 1956 Olympic eight, his career took over. An appointment in London with Australian National Airlines beckoned. His son Michael noted that this was a "very difficult decision with 1956 not far away….. but airlines became his life for the decades after."

John held executive roles in both the airlines and tourism industries including managing director of the Australian Tourism Commission. An urbane and engaging man who never forgot Mercantile or his days as a rower.

His member profile can be found at: Rower profile - John S Rowe AM (rowinghistory-aus.info)

Easter Regatta Results

Published 2nd April 2024

Mercs once again enjoyed much success at the Easter Regattas at Wentworth. The Club was well represented and our Clubbies will bring home premierships for the Club. They finished the season on a great note.

Our congratulations to our Clubbie athletes and also to our Clubbie coaches and organisers, notably Nick Reynish, Jordan King and Andrew McNeil.

This group continues to prosper and has taken on a new identity within the larger Club, their spirits are high, they have provided rowing and racing opportunities for those aged from 15 to 45. Each season they get better and they are building for an even better season next year. Even Jordan's pup "Oli" has taken on mascot status.

This is an important part of the Club and they have taken on running the on wtare work at the Scotch Mercantile Regatta. The influence and importance of this group just keeps on growing. We look forward to next season already.

Wentworth Entries

Published 1st April 2024

The Clubbies are at it again, planning on winning races and premierships for the Club. In the final regattas of the non-masters season, the Clubbies are well represented again.

Day 1

Event	Athletes
FB4+	Amritha Sidhu,Megan Carr,Roisin Rea,Carmel Loch,Alexandra Legge(c)
FB4+	Samantha Antonios,Samantha Morrison,Claire McKew,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Joanna Walker(c)
MB2-	Nickolas Kronenburg,Andrew McNeil
MA1X	Jasper Lawrence
FU171X	Cate McNeil
MC4+	Sean McNeil,Thomas Bergelin,Nick Reynish,Andrew McNeil,Rebecca Barrows(c)
MB4X+	Sean McNeil,Thomas Bergelin,Conor O'Callaghan,Jasper Lawrence,Rebecca Barrows(c)
FA4X+	Cate McNeil,Samantha Morrison,Roisin Rea,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Joanna Walker(c)
FC2X	Piyumi De Zoysa,Claire McKew
X4+	Amritha Sidhu,Nickolas Kronenburg,Michael Holman,Carmel Loch,Alexandra Legge(c)
X4+	Conor O'Callaghan,Alexandra Oliver,Megan Carr,Jasper Lawrence,Rebecca Barrows(c)
FB8+	Claire McKew,Carmel Loch,Megan Carr,Samantha Morrison,Cate McNeil,Alexandra Oliver,Roisin Rea,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Joanna Walker(c)
FA2X	Cate McNeil,Lytske van Wijngaarden
MU171X	Thomas Bergelin
FC4X+	Piyumi De Zoysa,Rebecca Barrows,Samantha Antonios,Claire McKew,Joanna Walker(c)
X8+	Cate McNeil,Samantha Morrison,Nickolas Kronenburg,Michael Holman,Conor O'Callaghan,Jasper Lawrence,Roisin Rea,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Alexandra Legge(c)
FC4+	Piyumi De Zoysa,Rebecca Barrows,Samantha Antonios,Claire McKew,Alexandra Legge(c)
FM2X	Roisin Rea,Carmel Loch
FA1X	Cate McNeil
MC1X	Conor O'Callaghan
X2X	Amritha Sidhu,Michael Holman
X2X	Lytske van Wijngaarden,Jasper Lawrence
X2X	Roisin Rea,Conor O'Callaghan

Day 2

Event	Athletes
FB4+	Amritha Sidhu,Megan Carr,Roisin Rea,Carmel Loch,Alexandra Legge(c)
FB4+	Samantha Antonios,Samantha Morrison,Claire McKew,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Joanna Walker(c)
MB2-	Nickolas Kronenburg,Andrew McNeil
MA1X	Jasper Lawrence
FU171X	Cate McNeil
MC4+	Sean McNeil,Nick Reynish,Thomas Bergelin,Andrew McNeil,Rebecca Barrows(c)
FA4X+	Cate McNeil,Samantha Morrison,Roisin Rea,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Joanna Walker(c)
FC2X	Piyumi De Zoysa,Claire McKew
X4+	Amritha Sidhu,Nickolas Kronenburg,Michael Holman,Carmel Loch,Alexandra Legge(c)
X4+	Alexandra Oliver,Megan Carr,Conor O'Callaghan,Jasper Lawrence,Rebecca Barrows(c)
FB8+	Claire McKew,Carmel Loch,Megan Carr,Samantha Morrison,Cate McNeil,Alexandra Oliver,Roisin Rea,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Joanna Walker(c)
FA2X	Cate McNeil,Lytske van Wijngaarden
MU171X	Thomas Bergelin
FC4X+	Piyumi De Zoysa,Rebecca Barrows,Samantha Antonios,Claire McKew,Joanna Walker(c)
X8+	Cate McNeil,Samantha Morrison,Nickolas Kronenburg,Michael Holman,Conor O'Callaghan,Jasper Lawrence,Roisin Rea,Lytske van Wijngaarden,Alexandra Legge(c)
FC4+	Piyumi De Zoysa,Rebecca Barrows,Samantha Antonios,Claire McKew,Alexandra Legge(c)
FM2X	Roisin Rea,Carmel Loch
FA1X	Cate McNeil
MC1X	Conor O'Callaghan
FB2X	Megan Carr,Louise Carr
X2X	Amritha Sidhu,Michael Holman
X2X	Roisin Rea,Conor O'Callaghan
X2X	Lytske van Wijngaarden,Jasper Lawrence

Interstate Championships in review

Published 27th March 2024

Victoria was successful in both the King's and Queen's Cups this year with Mercs members prominant in both.

In other Interstate Championships, Club member Nick Bartlett finish on the podium in third place in his first PR31x attempt. Past member and now Queensland resident, raced in the women's scull for Victoria finishing second.

In the men's scull, Dom Frederico fought a great race to push a talented field for most of the race.

In the men's lightweight four, Club members Ben Whitmee and Jordan Roberts, coached by Al Matthews raced superbly in a tight race to finish second. Alex Tomanovits raced in the ACT crew.

In the women's youth eight, Club member Jess Hawker raced well to finish second in a crew co-coached by Zoe Fettig-Winn.

Then in the eights, Paige Barr stroked a superb race to lead her Victorian crew to victory. She was joined by fellow club members Jess Morrison, Kat Werry and Hayley Verbunt in their dominant display of racing.

Kat Werry lets fly with bibbly over the crew

In the King's Cup, Gus Widdicomb had the keys and was leading a great crew with Club members Fergus Hamilton in the seven seat and Jack Robertson in five and Austin Reinehr in three seat. They made their move early in the race and forced NSW to chase.

The King's Cup crew with the Governor-General

It was a good day for Victoria.

The National Championships in Review

Published 1st April 2024

There were many highlights as usual at the National Championships with some of the best racing coming from NTC athletes racing each other. The lightweight rowing was as usual also very tight.

Open Women's Scull

Sophie Reinehr was a finalist in a top standard field with Louise Carr in the B final.

Open Women's Double Scull

Sophie Reinehr again wasa finalist in this event.

Open Women's Quad Scull

Sophie Reinehr and Anna Morrison raced well in this event to win Bronze finish behind the NTC athletes in the top two placings.

Open Women's Pair

Last years winners Kat Werry and Lucy Stephan had to settle for bronze medal this year with Jess Morrison teaming up with Georgia Patten to take gold with Paige Barr and Bronwyn Cox finishing with silver. The race for first and second was worth every second to see.

Open Women's Four

In the four, Jess Morrison and Paige Barr teamed up with Lucy Stephan and Bronwyn cox to take gold in this event. The first five crews were very even.

Open Women's Eight

An NTC crew based around Mercs athletes Kat Werry, Jess Morrison, Paige Barr and Hayley Verbunt won this event.

Open Men's Four

This was a highlight race with the two halves of the Australian eight taking on the the selected Australian four. The two halves of the eight finished first and second with the Australian four in third place in an incredcibly tight race. Nothing was left in any of the crews with Jack Robertson saying that this would be toughest race they will encounter both here and overseas. Gus Widdicombe finished with a silver and Jack Robertson and Fergus Hamilton with bronze.

Open Men's Eight

The Australian eight also put themselves on the line in this event with the rest of the NTC athletes trying to prove the selectors wrong. The Australian eight finished only 1.2 secs in front at the finish. Gus Widdicombe taking gold with Jack Robertson and Fergus Hamilton taking silver.

Open Lightweight Men

Jordan Roberts finished fourth in both the single and double but combined with Ben Whitmee and other members of the Victorian Penrith Cup crew to win the quad. Roberts, Whitmee, Alex Tomanovits and Oscar Tyrell were also members of the winning lightweight eight, a race won so many times by Mercantile.

PR3

Newly categorised athlete Seth Swinney won silver in the PR3 single scull in a great race. He will do well in this category if he pursues this rowing career choice.

Under 23 Women

Anna Morrison led the way with a bronze in the four and a fourth place in the pair. She was joined by Grace Ivers, Mia Harrison, Imogen Nation, Abigail Cox, Jess Hawker and Isobel Finch in the eight.

Under 23 Men

Dom Frederico led our men gaining a bronze in the single then doubling up with Austin Reinehr to take silver in the double. Jackson Morrish also tried his hand in both these events.

Jake Polkinghorne and Oscar Scalzo teamed up to be finalists in the pair and behind them Charles Clarke and Hamish Nicol. Jake and Oscar plus Austin Reinehr and Dom Frederico won bronze in the eight.

In the under 23 lightweights, Ben Whitmee and Alex Tomanovits tried their hand in the single with Ben being a finalist. However Seth Swinney and Alex Tomanovits won a bronze in the double. Alex then paired with Oscar Tyrell to take silver in the pair.

Under 21 Women

Jess Hawker was the best of the girls in the single making the final with Mia Harrison and Zoe Korr missing out Mia and Zoe doubled up with a Swan River pair to race the final of the quad.

Imogen Nation and and Grace Ivers made their pair final with Abigail Cox in the B final. An all Mercantile crew of Nation, Ivers, Cox, Jess Hawker and coxed by Isobel Finch finished fifth in the final with a composite Mercantile crew containing Zoe Korr and Mia Harrison behind them.

The under 21 men faired no better in the single, double, quad and pair. Archie Critchell partnered with Ben van den Berg and James Goldrick in a quad which made the final.

Under 17 and under 19

Cate McNeil was our only represented in these categories racing so many times that the commentators were amazed. Her best result came in a composite under 19 quad with Gippland Grammar. Cate also raced for her school in a double scull.

Club events

Our Club women's four of Freya Axten, Louisa Stocks, Addison Luce and Louise Carr raced well but were out of the medals. They were more successful in the eights with a silver medal - Mia Harrison, Imogen Nation, Grace Ivers, Freya Axten, Louisa Stocks, Alexandra Watson, Addison Luce, Louise Carr, Cox: Jessica Rawolle.

The men's club crews were much the same with our fours finishing fourth and fifth in the final but picking up a bronze and a seventh placing n the finals. The crews were: Hamish Nicol, Jake Polkinghorne, Oscar Scalzo and Harry Cathcart and Charlie Clarke, Lachlan Wilmot, Barry Connolly and Jack Ivers in the other four. The eights were: Charlie Clarke, Hamish Nicol, Barry Connolly, Lachlan Wilmot, Jake Polkinghorne, Harry Amad, Harry Cathcart, Oscar Scalzo, Cox: Isobel Finch, and James Goldrick, Oscar Tyrrell, Seth Swinney, Jackson Morrish, Josh Murphy, Sam Oostendorp, Ben van den Berg, Jack Ivers, Cox: Arabella Hall.

Summary

A good Championships but not a great one. Our members were in 6 gold medal crews, 7silver medal crews and 8 bronze medal crews. After allowing for fractions of crews, the official medal tally had Mercs with the fourth top number of medals of all clubs.

Well done to all our athletes and our coaches - Al Matthews, Annabelle Eaton, Zoe Fettig-Winn, David Colvin, Peter Somerville, Andrew McNeil and Tim Frederico.

Vale Arthur Adams QC

Published 1st April 2024

It is with great saddness that we advise of the passing of a 64 year member, Arthur Adams on 30th March 2024. His membership longevity shows his great love of the Club and what it provided him as a young man.

Arthur joined the Club in 1960 after racing at the Head of the River in the Xavier First VIII. He was successful in maiden eights, then junior eights and also in the University Champiosnhips eights. He won two races at the Henley regatta and a Victorian Championship.

Interestingly, he maintained his loyalty to Mercantile, MUBC and the Henley Regatta Committee after his rowing success as a young man. He was a big personality at a time when Mercs had plenty others like him. He would have revelled in that environment.

He rowed masters with MUBC until the mid 2000s and thoroughly enjoyed his rowing life.

A member profiles can be found through this link - Arthur Adams QC.

Princes Bridge Renovation works

Republished April 2023

Disruptions over the next 12 months - follow this link for details.

The Princes Bridge restoration works include:

replacing weathered bluestone blocks
realigning and cleaning bluestone blocks
repairing and repainting iron facades
rewiring public lighting.

These works will be delivered in sections, starting with Section 1 at the south end of the bridge between piers 7 and 10 (please refer to the linked map). This section is anticipated to start in October 2023 and be complete by mid to late next year.

Drink wine to help the Club, now that is an idea

Republished April 2024

Wild Fire Wines is a premium wine producer located near Warburton in the Upper Yarra Valley. One of the owners, and the chief winemaker, is John Harry, a club member. John competed at senior level in the 60s and 70s and was Captain of the Club; he is also a major supporter and Trustee of the Mercs Foundation.

Wild Fire has agreed to provide the Club with a substantial donation for each case of wine purchased by members and their friends and family. Bill Webster and Julie Orr are co-ordinating the recruitment of Mercs athletes to help publicise the sales effort. The Committee believes this program has great potential to assist our fundraising efforts and is keen for all Mercantilians to get behind it.

The Committee has sampled John’s offerings and is confident that members will find the wines of excellent quality, and good value. Wild Fire won two medals at the 2019 Victorian Wine Show (Riesling and Cabernet) on its first try so its future looks promising.

So, how can you help the Club?

Grab some wine at www.wildfirewines.com.au and enter the code "MERCANTILE" at the discount application. This ensures any sales will be attributed to the Club.

This is an efficient and practical way for members to help the Club - we look forward to the development of the Wild Fire relationship as a solid source of funding for us for many years to come.