Scotch the toast of the river

Scotch College have ended a 25-year drought to claim the prestigious Head of the River at Champion Lakes today.

Scotch last won the Public Schools Association’s first-eight race in 1990 and went in with third choice in the lane draw in one of the most open fields in the event’s storied history.

Coming from lane five, the Scotch crew took the lead early in the race and held on to take the win in 5.56.4.

Guildford Grammar (5.57.1) just pipped Aquinas College (5.57.9) for second.

Christ Church Grammar failed to make it four wins in five years, coming in at fourth ahead of Trinity College, Hale School and Wesley College.

Trinity won the overall points race to take out the Hamer Cup after compiling 250, ahead of Guildford (240), Aquinas (233), Scotch (229), Christ Church (221), Hale (215) and Wesley (154).