TSS First VIII coach Cameron Kennedy believes his crew still has room to improve ahead of Head of the River

The Southport School First VIII coach Cameron Kennedy has demanded “something special” from his crew as the countdown to Head of the River continues.

THE Southport School First VIII coach Cameron Kennedy has demanded “something special” from his crew as the countdown to Head of the River continues.

FROM BEING CUT TO STROKING FIRST VIII: ROWER’S REMARKABLE TURNAROUND

TSS recorded their second fastest time of the season on Saturday, finishing only 1.69 seconds behind open eight division one powerhouse Brisbane Grammar in the first rotation.

TSS Rowing First VIII Back Row : Dylan Kennedy , Mackenzie Branch , Lachie Wright Kai Dittmar Front Row : Grant Callaghan , Zach Nixon , Baxter Stewart , Harry Ward , Lockie Mactaggart Photograph : Jason O'Brien

“We pushed Grammar and were the closest anyone has been to them, being within half a boat length, so it was a good result of some of the hard work we’ve been doing over the past few weeks,” Kennedy said.

“They (Grammar) haven’t missed a beat yet so it’s a difficult task but a task we’re working towards.

“I said to them that they are going to have to do something pretty special in training and the way they hold themselves in the next two weeks to produce a special result at Head of the River.”

TACTICAL MASTERSTROKE SEES TSS DELIVER BEST REGATTA YET

After pushing themselves to their limit in race one, TSS stumbled slightly to finish third in race two, 5.5 seconds behind Grammar.

“They dug themselves in a hole during the first race and I was impressed they hung on for third in the second race practising the importance of having only one race count,” Kennedy said.

“It was a really nice step froward for the boys and they’re starting to work out how capable they are.”

MEET THE MAN BEHIND TSS HOR TITLE PUSH

With Head of the River now only two and a half weeks away, Kennedy said his crew still had room for improvement as the bulk of fitness work had already been completed.

“They are really coming together technically and said on Friday that it was the best row they’ve had together yet,” he said.

“The improvement will come when we start to back off the volume and they feel better and have more energy.”