Sports
Grafton rowers host Sydney and Bathurst squads
Grafton Rowing Club recently received a visit from young rowers of the Central Tablelands Rowing Club and their coach Joe Martin from Bathurst. Central Tablelands is fairly new but growing club, with members normally training on the Ben Chifley Dam.
Also visiting were Balmain Rowing Club members, including two of their Para rowers and their coaches who were here for Balmain’s sixth year in a row. They appreciated what they describe as our wonderfully still Clarence River.
Para rower Matilda Slater-Phillips commenced rowing in 2014 competed in Boston in 2014, and is a National silver medallist for 2014/5. In August this year she also competed in the World Championships in Dragon Boating, and came home with eight gold medals, including open divisions.
Para rower Ruby Sutherland started rowing in September 2013, and was last year’s State Championships in the Women’s 500m division.
Also enjoying the camp was Para rower from Perth Rowing Club, Kevin Wall, who is the WA State Champion for 2015 and was part of the Boston Para rower crew.
Grafton Rowing Club coach Ken Maughan and former Grafton coach Ron Beattie have patiently and tirelessly coached at each of these camps, sharing their expertise with the rowers, who now go home technically better and fitter rowers.
Enabling this to happen, Ken, and Grafton Rowing Club generously provided access to their sculls, coach boats and shed facilities.
Rowers and their coaches extended a huge thank you to Ken, Ron and the Grafton Rowing Club for their support, generosity and welcoming spirit.
Marion White