Rowing Nationals: Day 1

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Category: rowing

Published on Thursday, 15 September 2011 21:49

Written by Lishan Wickramanayake

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The 27^th National Rowing Championship organized by the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) got under way today at the Bolgoda Lake. The Championship was declared open by the President of ARASL, Mr. Rohan Fernando. This year’s nationals sees 17 teams participating making the biggest nationals held thus far.

Many of the qualifiers were held today for the pairs and sculls in all categories, the day did not see many exciting finishes as many of the races were between experienced and inexperienced crews. Tomorrow however is sure to prove more competitive with many semifinal rounds been held.

Forces to the fore

The major observation today was the impressive performances by the armed forces, especially by SL Air Force and SL Navy. They won most of the qualifiers held today in over 19 category and made an impact in the Open category as well. Fonseka (SL Navy) looked close to his previous peak in the single sculls and would be one of the major challengers to reigning sculls champion Sajeev De Silva (CRC).

SL Army too made impressive come back in the sport of rowing after a long layoff and did commendably well today.

Ananda consolidate

Ananda College had very noteworthy performances today especially on the back of their outstanding outing at the last regatta held 3 weeks ago. Their scullers were impressive today in the under 16 and Schoolboy Sculler events. 2010 captain Suvin Karunarathne beat Royal Captain Chirath Karunanayake in a closely fought qualifier with Thomian Vice Captain, Chamal Jayanetti, finishing further down the field.

But the major break was when the Ananda four comprising of Ashan Pitiyaratchi, Manilka Guneratne, Nilusha De Alwis, Tharkana Kulathunga, and Ravin Karunaratne beat the Royal College senior four in the final event of the day, and made their intentions clear on the gold medal and the overall category.

Ladies and Museaus stake strong claim

Museaus College and Ladies College came into the regatta with strong contingents and the crews didn’t disappoint. Both the teams did well to win their respective heats with Museaus looking good in the under 16 fours. Ladies College impressed on the smaller boats getting the better of Museaus, Bishop’s and the Colombo Rowing Club.

Most of the open events would be straight finals due to a lack of entries and would be rowed on Saturday.

Ishika, the heir apparent ?

Ishika De Silva (AIS) had very momentous day winning big in both heats in the Women’s Open Sculls and the Schoolgirl Sculls. She looks the favorite to claim both with defending champion Swarnamalie Wijesighne (MC) picking up a hamstring injury in the first race of the day and didn’t take further part in races during the day.

Weather concern

Everybody knew coming into this regatta that the waters of the Bolgoda are unforgiving. The lake is known for its strong cross winds and swift waves (which is why the sailing is big here) but the rain element brought more misery to the competitors with the periodic rains making things worse. The winds and waves did claim a few victims with a few boats toppling over.

This renewed opinion regarding the fitness of the Bolgada Lake as the ideal location for rowing competitions.

 

Be sure to check our facebook page for exclusive pictures from the Bolgoda Lake.

 

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