Tenacious win scores Shore's fifth Head of the River title in six years

SHORE led from the front to retain the GPS Head Of The River title at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith, on Saturday.

SHORE led from the front to retain the GPS Head Of The River title at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith, on Saturday.

The First VIII won for the fifth time in the past six years, beating St Joseph's by two seconds.

Saint Ignatius', Riverview, was fourth, a further two seconds back.

Shore rowing master Glenn Bates said the crew led by a length 500m into the 2000m race and demonstrated great tenacity to hold on.

"We were able to show pretty good character to hold the lead despite a few challenges," he said.

"There was some really good racing, The King's School and St Joseph's College definitely applied a fair bit of pressure."

The crew is now looking forward to competing at the national championships, which begin at the same venue on March 18.

"The boys were very happy," Mr Bates said.

"They felt very good about themselves going into the race but I think it's always nice to finish off the season, where they haven't been beaten by another GPS crew, the way that they feel it should go.

"There were a few nerves ... it's been a big six-month journey and to get the reward at the end of it is fantastic."

The triumph was the icing on the cake for the school after an impressive showing at the regatta.

Shore secured six wins from the 11 races held throughout the day.

Head Of The River, 2000m

1. Shore 5:55.46

2. St Joseph's 5:57.50

3. King's 5:58.75

4. Saint Ignatius 5:59.78

5. Scots 6:02.07

6. Newington 6:02.30

7. Grammar 6:07.39

8. Sydney Boys High 6:44.00

For other regatta results see rowingnsw.asn.au