Wendouree wins Barwon boat battle

IN a hard-fought, close race against their Lake Wendouree neighbours, Wendouree Ballarat Rowing Club’s women’s quad won gold at the 2022 Barwon Regatta in Geelong.

Coxed by Joachim Henderson, the crew of Charlotte Ashley, Alicia Ivory, Kellie Egan, and Daisy Simpson-Kerr beat Corio Bay in their heat, and powered through their B final, crossing the line first ahead of Ballarat City Rowing Club in close second.

In the week approaching the event, one of the original crew members had to pull out of the regatta as she was isolating due to COVID-19.

Sixteen-year-old club member and Damascus College student Daisy Simpson-Kerr relished the opportunity to step up and sit in the two-seat, showing great strength and skill.

Her first-ever row with the women’s crew was on the Barwon River, when they headed up to the start line for their heat.

“When Alicia called me and asked if I’d like to row, I thought it was a good opportunity. I’ve been rowing for three years, and sculling for one year,” she said.

“I enjoyed the whole experience. I was initially quite nervous because I hadn’t rowed with them before, but they all made me feel welcome.

“We won against a tough crew in our heat, and that gave me confidence going into the final. It was a hard, close race, and I was very tired at the end.”

Not only a crew member but club captain, Ivory said one of WBRC’s strengths is their diverse membership of beginners and experienced rowers of all ages who are willing to have a go.

“We weren’t sure how we would go against other clubs from around Victoria, but with Daisy stepping up from our junior squad, it shows the depth of talent we have in our club,” she said.

“I’m really excited to see how we continue throughout the season and in future years.”