Man Squad - Melbourne Rowing Club

Just in case you weren't at the regatta, or didn't see the results plastered all over the MRC Facebook group, Instagram account, and numerous members' profiles, this week's takes a look at Man Squad's efforts at the Rowing Victoria State Championships last weekend. You know, because I'm lazy.

The highlight of the day came in the final of the Men's D-Grade Coxed Quad. Under the ever-reliable guidance of coxswain Matthew Bennett, the crew of Patrick Welham, Michael Xing, Aman Sideek, and Timothy Crooks were able to dig deep and hold off a fast finishing Richmond crew to claim gold.

Welham and Crooks would also feature on the podium in the C-Pair event, walking away with s̶h̶a̶m̶e̶f̶u̶l̶ respectable bronze medals.

Pictured left to right: Timothy Crooks, Aman Sideek, Patrick Welham, Michael Xing, Matthew Bennett

Over the last week I've confirmed three things:

1) Regattas are definitely back!
2) There really should have been a summary of last weekend by now...
3) I'm incredibly l̶a̶z̶y̶ efficient with my journalism.

Therefore I'm going to kill two birds with one stone and throw back to quite literally five days ago and cover Rutherglen 2021.

With most clubs uncertain of success due to varying levels of training and fitness, it was comforting to see Man Squad get on the winner's list early, with Sam Doble and Michael Xing (aka the "r8 bois") emerging victorious in the 800m D-Grade Double. The gold would keep flowing later on in the first day, with Doble and Xing teaming up with Patrick Welham and Timothy Crooks to finish first in the 800m C-Grade Four, claiming the event's perpetual trophy with the help of APSM cox Cherylann Biegler.

Not to be outdone, Welham and Crooks also capitalised on their consistent training last year to win gold in the 500m C-Grade Pair, after a scrappy start by the other crews (aka not us - we were perfect) caused the race to be reset.

Notable Man Squad coxswains Matthew Bennett and Aman Sideek also tasted victory over the weekend by steering their respective Masters crews across the line first.

Between winning medals on Lake Moodemere during the day and mingling with the... um... "interesting" locals at the pub at night, Rutherglen was once again a resounding success, and has set the benchmark high for the next few months.

Here's to a successful 2021 Sprint Season, Gentlemen! 🍺🍺

Pictured left to right: Sam Doble, Patrick Welham, Michael Xing, Timothy Crooks