Melbourne Girls Grammar is celebrating after its highest ever contingent of crews qualified for A finals in this year’s Head of Schoolgirls Regatta over the weekend.   

In a close repeat of last year’s Division 1 final, the Merton crew went stroke for stroke with their rivals from St. Catherine’s for most of the 1500m race. In the dying stages of the race, St Catherine’s pulled away to take the win.  

 We celebrate the efforts of all girls who competed in the 37th edition of this great event. Over the weekend, 131 MGGS rowers proudly represented our School amongst over 2,200 other competitors and more than 2,000 spectators. The ‘Merton Army’ were in full force, loudly cheering on the rowers from the banks of the Barwon. All our rowers should be exceptionally proud of their efforts across the weekend.  

In total, 22 of our crews reached A finals in their divisions, an amazing achievement and the best result in the School’s history of rowing. In those finals, 19 medals were won:  

• 5 Gold medals  
• 9 Silver medals  
• 5 Bronze medals  

Melbourne Girls Grammar was a founding member of the HOSG 37 years ago; today, it stands as the largest all-girl regatta in the southern hemisphere. Our long-standing culture of friendly but fierce competition was once again echoed over the weekend by our senior girls. We thank them for their efforts, courage and determination.  There were also great displays of sportswomanship.  

“The Head of Schoolgirls Regatta weekend represents the culmination of months and months of work – or in the case of our senior crews, years. What makes this weekend special, is the feeling of joy in our community coming together, and the happiness of competing! A record number of crews making A finals for us this year demonstrates the depth of participation, and the role so many have played to nurture and enhance the growth of our Grammarians, as people, athletes, and rowers. To share in their experiences – and the highs and lows that come with training and competition – is a privilege.” – Dr Toni Meath, Principal 

We would especially like to acknowledge our Year 12 Grammarians who have rowed their last HOSG Regatta. Their ability to balance their studies and sporting passion is a credit to them all and makes them excellent role models for the squad and School. It wasn’t always easy with COVID cancelling many races and impeding training but together our rowers and their coaches showed determination through it all. This is reflected in their results this weekend.   

“To finish our season at Head of Schoolgirls with 19 medals from 24 crews is a remarkable achievement on so many levels, not least of which in relation to the size of our program and School compared to our competitors. What stands out for me more than anything is that we have the happiest rowers, the happiest parents, the happiest supporters, and the happiest school community – and our results over the weekend reflect this love and support for our rowers. I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts over the season and of what our Grammarians have achieved.”  – Angus Seller, Head of Rowing at Melbourne Girls Grammar  

The 1st and 2nd VIII Senior crews and Year 10 Division 1 Quad Scull will now turn their attention to the National Championships, which will take place next week at Lake Nagambie. We wish those crews competing in the Nationals the very best of luck.