07 Mar 2018
The sunshine glistened on the lake, on a perfect Autumn day, as twenty enthusiastic paddlers took to their dragon-boat. The parents, staff and family members of Jamberoo school community were ready. We had been waiting 365 long days for this occasion, the chance to prove the JPS victory of 2017 was no fluke.
The first heat had us all inspired, winning convincingly and an opportunity for our newbies to experience the exhilaration that comes with being a member of the JPS dragon-boating team. The second heat was closer, as we claimed victory only after the disqualification of i-Box Fitness. This crew proved to be a determined team of gym junkies that thought it was best to take out the opposition by nearly ramming us on to the foreshore. Jamberoo's
by-the-book race plan was the judge's winner of the heat. Our final heat felt good, and according to the footage of our fastidious stroke coach, Jackie Hall, we looked good too. After a quick reprimand of one crew member (who shall remain anonymous) to ensure his eyes were ‘in the boat', we felt prepared for our well-earned place in the major final.
The three surviving crews from the original 12 competitors made their way to the jetty, and the air was laced with tension. The voices of the support crew rang out from the jetty, and we knew we were ‘loved because we were from Jamberoo'. Warren, our reliable sweep, and Anne, our motivational drummer, offered words of encouragement, and the drone hovered overhead. The cow-clad crew were pumped.
Our ‘5 long and hard' start saw Jamberoo fly off the mark. The blue of the JPS paddlers was a blur, as the team pulled together for one last 200 metre effort. Paddles marched in time, hips hugged the gunnel and the Jamberoo crew never looked in doubt, as we streaked across the finish line. The grins and congratulatory embraces, combined with the paddle arch and cheers of our passionate supporters, ensured all team members were on a high - as the trophy was returned to its rightful home at Jamberoo PS!
Congratulations to all of our fabulous cheer squad and our champion crew:
The parents - Mandy, Emma, Kendall, Rhyan, Graeme, Naomie and Mick;
The staff - Chris, Sharon, Jacqui, Jess and Leisa;
The ex-students - Tom, Meg, Nick and Lara; and
The family rowers - Warwick, Andrew, Billy and Joey.