1943 SATIS Northern & Southern Head of the River

First Four - North:

The Examiner reported that Launceston Church Grammar stopped rowing before the line, as they were confused with the finish line markings. However, they had done enough during the race to win by 1 length

Winners (far left) of the 1943 Northern Head of the River for First Fours - Launceston Church Grammar
(Source: Examiner, 19 April 1943)

First Four - South:

The Mercury provided this report of the exciting 1943 race on the Derwent. 

“It was one of the most gruelling races on record, with little between the crews from start to finish. Conditions were ideal. Clemes, on the outside, had a slight advantage in the early stages, with Hutchins, St. Virgil's, and Friends' rowing almost blade for blade. The crews kept those positions to opposite the Derwent sheds, when Clemes began to drop back, leaving Hutchins, St. Virgil's, and Friends' with barely a canvas between them, and Clemes still close up. As the crews sprinted to the finishing line. Hutchins moved ahead. Rowing with good body swing, and getting the benefit from a hard catch and good timing, Hutchins continued to draw away, and crossed the line with half a length to spare from Friends'. St. Virgil's finished 2ft. farther back, and Clemes a length away.”

Winners of the 1943 Southern Head of the River for First Fours - Hutchins School
(Source: Hutchins School Magazine, June 1943)

Second Four - North:

The Examiner reported that, like their First Four, Launceston Church Grammar stopped before the line but had done enough during the race to still win by 2 lengths.     

The Mercury recorded the following: 

“Hutchins secured a double by winning the junior race, in which nine crews took part, including four from the winning school. Hutchins, favoured by the outside position, took the lead early, and won comfortably by five lengths from Friends' No. 1, with Clemes 10 lengths farther back in third position followed by Friends' No. 2, St. Virgil's No. 2. Hutchins No. 3, and Hutchins No. 4. St. Virgil's No. 1 and Hutchins No. 2 would have filled second and third places "respectively, had they not stopped rowing before they reached the finishing line.”

Organising Committee:

Tasmanian Rowing Association

Officials:

Northern Head of the River:

Starter: Senator B. Sampson

Umpire: Mr. T. A. Firth

Judge: Mr. J. E. Heritage

Southern Head of the River:

Starters & Umpires: Mr. J. Sharp & Mr. J. Murray

Judges: Mr. C. L. Colvin, Mr E. T. Bessell & Mr. J. Berkery