Brisbane GPS Rowing: Brisbane Grammar completes undefeated season

A mere 1.08 seconds separated the first and second placed teams in the weekend’s GPS Head of the River. Check out the results here.

Brisbane Grammar School rowing captain Hugh Weightman hoists the O’Connor Cup after his crew won the GPS Head of the River on Saturday. Picture: AAP

The GPS Head of the River was run and won on Sunday as predicted with Brisbane Grammar completing an undefeated season – but it was a close run thing.

Grammar got home ahead of The Southport School by a mere 1.08 secs, with Gregory Terrace third.

“Southport almost rowed the perfect race,” said legendary coach John Bowes who was preparing Nudgee for the tenth and last time.

“That was the margin between almost perfect and perfect, just over a second.

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/month, cancel anytime. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Brisbane Grammar School rowing captain Hugh Weightman hoists the O’Connor Cup after his crew won the GPS Head of the River on Saturday. Picture: AAP

“There was a slight tail breeze and the conditions suited Southport more but Grammar were just too good. They showed some real character.

“They started the season winning easily but then some of the other crews began to catch up. We spooked them last week but they held their composure. That’s not easy to do over an entire season so well done to them.

“They thoroughly deserved their win.”

Brisbane Grammar School open eight division 1 team ltr Harry Sirett, Riley Lockyer, Tom Clifton, Henry Doe, Drew Weightman, Samuel Atherton, Hugh Weigtman, Dan Horsley and Jono Cooke celebrate their win. Picture: AAP

Nudgee’s fifth placed finish marked the end of an era for John Bowes who began coaching at Terrace in 1990 and won the Head of the River with the school in 1994 and 1996.

After nine years as a professional coach he joined Nudgee “for two months and stayed 10 years”.

In that time he has coached the 1st Vlll to seven firsts and two seconds.

Supporters cheer on the teams at Saturday’s GPS Head of the River. Picture: AAP

He is now joining Rowing Australia as pathways transitional manager, mainly working with the 120 Australian rowers based in the US on college scholarships.

Grammar’s undefeated winning crew, coached by Sean Carolan, was: Harry Sirett, Riley Lockyer, Tom Clifton, Henry Doe, Drew Weightman, Samuel Atherton, Hugh Weightman, Dan Horsley, Cox: Jono Cooke

In pictures: GPS Head of the River championships

VIEW GALLERY