New South Wales has defended their King’s Cup title after a dominant display in the men’s eight race at Lake Barrington, Tasmania.
In fast tail wind conditions New South Wales was never challenged by the other four crews to the delight of the New South Wales support crew on the river bank. They crossed the line in a time of 5:30.80 to defeat arch rivals Victoria, with Western Australia finishing in third place.
New South Wales sprung out of the blocks and held a two second lead over Victoria after the first 500 metres and they were able to extend that lead by another second by the halfway mark of the race.
South Australia, who were attempting to end their 26 year drought in Australia’s most famous rowing race, were never in contention and could only just hang on to third placed Western Australia.
Heading into the final 500 metres it was clear that New South Wales would hold onto the trophy then won in 2008 and with four strokes left, coxswain Toby Lister raised his arms in celebration.
Stroked by Terrence Alfred, the New South Wales crew also included Fergus Pragnell, Dan Noonan, Sam Loch, Nick Hudson, Dominic Grimm, Richard Allsop and Matt Ryan.
Matt Ryan, silver medallist in the men’s four at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, said to get another win over Victoria was satisfying.
“Victoria has done so well in this event and to be able to go back to back over them is awesome,” Ryan said. “We went out pretty hard and had built a good lead up and here we are as champions again.”
Victoria triumphed in the men’s youth eight earlier in afternoon in a time of 5:43.87 ahead of Western Australia and Queensland. Victoria was also awarded the Rowing Australia Cup for overall winners of the Interstate Regatta.
