2022 World Rowing Championships: Monday 19 September Day 2
New Kiwi crews had their first big tests on day two of the World Rowing Championships in the Czech Republic.
But it was an experienced and exceptional partnership that got things going early with Kerri Williams and Grace Prendergast cruising to a win in their heat of the women’s pair.
They established an early lead and were two lengths up on the Irish pair at halfway before an impressive third 500m.
The world and Olympic champions dropping their rating to 33 and clearing out to an even bigger margin before easing off well before the finish to cross the line in 7.06.30.
The women’s four looks like being one of the most tightly contested events at these champs. It was a tough challenge for the new-look Kiwi boat of Phoebe Spoors, Beth Ross, Davina Waddy and Catherine Layburn.
They were up against Olympic champions Australia, China and Poland and their fourth place means they’ll be looking for a great row in the repechage to make the semis.
The women’s quad are also a new combination and were in some quick company against Great Britain, the Swiss and U.S. crews. Their fourth-place finish means it’s going to be a busy day in the repechages tonight, which will also include the men’s quad of Jack O’Leary, Stephen Jones, Jamie Hindle-Daniels and Phillip Wilson (who finished fifth in their heat) and the women’s lightweight double of Jackie Kiddle and Rachael Kennedy (who finished third in their heat).
The day finished on a high for the New Zealand squad, Chris Stockley and Matt Dunham winning their repechage to advance to the quarter-finals of the lightweight double.
KIWIS IN ACTION TONIGHT (NZT)
Phoebe Spoors/Beth Ross/Davina Waddy/ Catherine Layburn in the repechage of the women’s four 9.51pm.
Kate Haines/Hannah Osborne/Kirstyn Goodger/Stella Clayton-Greene in the repechage of the women’s quad 9.58pm.
Jack O’Leary/Stephen Jones/Jamie Hindle-Daniels/Phillip Wilson in the repechage of the men’s quad 10.12pm.
Jackie Kiddle/Rachael Kennedy in the repechage of the women’s lightweight double from 10.40pm.