The race was again conducted on the Upper Yarra, this time on 17th and 18th May.
Geelong Grammar wins the Head of the River despite a year of turmoil in which floods washed away their new shed and boats, and a new shed was built. Three boats were recovered at Corio.
Frederick J Edwards, the cox of the Scotch College crew, steered the crew for the sixth year in succession whilst his brother Arthur steered the Melbourne Grammar crew for the fourth time.
Officials:
Starter: Mr J W Colville
Umpire: Mr A Nicholls
Judge: Mr John Lang
John Lang in 1919
A lithograph showing the procession for the start
of the 1880 rowing season on the Yarra River
From the Australian Sportsman
Head of the River
Time: NTT
Margin: 2 1/2 lengths
1st Geelong Grammar - Bow: F Richardson, 2: R M Broughton, 3: W Moffatt, Str: Stephen Fairbairn, Cox: T Bailey, Cch: James L Cuthbertson
2nd Melbourne Grammar - Bow: S A Bucknall, 2: A L Pearson, 3: F E Thoneman, Str: W St J Chase, Cox: Arthur Edwards, Cch: Mr Stirling
Other crew competing were:
Scotch College - Bow: William T Whan, 2: David Aitken, 3: William B Cumming, Str: Henry C Elliott, Cox: Frederick J Edwards, Cch: John Wallace
Wesley College - Bow: H D Griffiths, 2: K J Permewan, 3: J H Tratrain, Str: G A Stewart, Cox: J F Hester
E1: 1st GGS, 2nd SC, Margin: 4 lengths
E2: 1st MGS, 2nd WC, Margin: 3 lengths
Geelong Grammar Crew
Time: NTT
1st Melbourne Grammar