Youth Cup 2010

Monday,19th July 2010

The Australian Youth Cup competition is now in its 20th year, and with Victoria not having raised the Rusty Robertson Trophy since 2003 in West Lakes, there was some real determination from coaches and athletes to have the cup once again back down South in the land of the Big White V.


With the vast majority of the team being selected back in May after trials at Nagambie, Head Coach Al Isherwood, supported by Men’s Team coaches Simon ‘Rowdy’ Harrison, and David McGrath and Women’s team Coaches Tom Abrownowski and Nick Edwards set to a rigorous training schedule for all crews.

Both teams were a mix of athletes who had previously been representatives on the State Team and those that were new to the experience. The Team also comprised 3 School age athletes who were combining their VCE studies with a full training schedule.

After a solid six weeks of training the team departed for Sydney with a couple of days to prepare before racing commenced. For a few of the team it was their first experience at the world class Sydney International Regatta Centre, and they were not disappointed.

For 5 straight days the team experienced near perfect conditions, and by the start of racing on the Friday, the team were as prepared as they could be.

Results after day 1 were mixed with A final performances all round but with only the women’s team making it to the podium. Day 2, again saw the women’s team on the podium in the Four and the Quad., as well as a medal finish to the Reserves Mixed Double Scull.

Day 3 of racing brought the big boats, and both men’s and women’s crews were successful in making the A final. In both Races the New Zealand crews were stand out performers and took out gold in each division, with the Vic Men’s 8+ claiming 5th and the Women’s 8+ claiming 3rd.

The entire team should be proud of their achievements and are now enjoying a short break before resuming training in preparation for the 2010/11 regatta season.

Many thanks to Team Manager Alex Law for his report. A full list of results is available on ROMS.