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Logjam looms in iconic race

Captains, from left, Lewis Parsons (Trinity), Oscar Winter (Wesley), Harry Sinclair (Scotch College), Andrew Rich (Aquinas), Josh Greenwood (Christ Church), Michael Landman (Hale) and William Fisher (Guildford Grammar). Picture: Ben Crabtree/WA News

The key competitors agree that the Head of the River at Champion Lakes tomorrow is anyone’s race.

In one of the most open races in the event’s recent history, five schools are contenders to take out the prestigious prize.

The fact that two of the lead-up regattas had to be cancelled has added to the air of mystery around the Public Schools Association’s storied first-eight race.

Christ Church Grammar and Trinity College have had a stranglehold on the event for more than a decade.

But the likes of Guildford Grammar and Scotch College are keen to change that.

Guildford will have first choice in the lane draw, going in as the No.1 seeds ahead of Christ Church and Scotch.

Guildford rowing master Tony Lovrich hopes his crew can make the most of that advantage as it bids for its first triumph since 1993.

“I think the real difference this year is the closeness of the teams first to seventh. It’s been a really tight season,” Lovrich said.

“It hasn’t been dominated by any one crew. The last regatta was just unbelievable.

“About three seconds separated five crews. It’s very, very open. It’s pretty exciting and I think it will be a great race.”

The drought for Scotch has been even longer, stretching back to 1990.

Rowing master Grant Ford is confident of a strong showing from his crew as it tries to stop Christ Church from taking a fourth win in five years.

“It is quite unusual in recent years that so many schools are vying for first place,” Ford said.

“I think it’s anyone’s race. Hopefully the conditions are fair for everyone.

“We have come second many times. We’ll give it our best shot on Saturday.”