Defending champions Hamilton Boys High and Rangi Ruru are through to the under 18 eights finals at the Maadi Cup secondary schools regatta today - but both have their hands full.
Hamilton, chasing their sixth win in the last seven years, progressed directly to the final by winning their heat,
as did Auckland Grammar, who were tipped to be strong contenders this year. Grammar clocked 6 minutes 05.74 seconds while Hamilton posted 6:12.10 in winning the second heat from Westlake Boys High.
Prospects are good for a tight final with Christs College, St Kentigern College and Marlborough Boys High all quicker in their heat while finishing second, third and fourth than Hamilton was in winning the other race.
Hamilton will have their No 2 boat as company today as they progressed out of the repechage. The field of eight includes three other Auckland schools, Westlake, St Kentigern College and Kings College.
Rangi Ruru, who won the Star Trophy as top overall school at last year's regatta, only managed fourth in their heat of the Levin Jubilee Cup, which was won well by Christchurch Girls' High, before progressing to the final by winning their repechage.
Waikato Diocesan appeal as favourites. They won the other heat in a slick 6:58.67, 8s clear of St Peters.
Auckland's only representation comes from Baradene College.
Hamilton Boys High and Rangi Ruru lost their under-18 coxed four crowns. Auckland Grammar won the Springbok Shield and St Peter's of Cambridge won the Dawn Cup.
