BATHURST'S Morgan Brooking has helped Sydney University maintain their stranglehold of the men's Australian Boat Race title with a dominant win over Melbourne University on Saturday.
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The victory for Brooking and the Sydney crew was all the more satisfying since it came on Melbourne's Yarra River, and it notched up win number nine for the NSW crew in the 11th edition of the race.
Brooking was part of Sydney's win at home in 2018 but the crew had desire to get one over Melbourne on their home waters.
From the first kilometre of the 4.1km trip from Burnley to Princess Bridge the Sydney crew's victory looked assured.
Even before the race Sydney were feeling good about their chances when they won the coin toss and elected to take the northern lane.
The lane would give Melbourne the inside advantage on the first bend but Sydney knew if they could keep pace with the hosts then they would be well positioned coming out of the turn.
Not only did Sydney keep pace, they took the race away from Melbourne.
Sydney continued to extend their advantage throughout the four kilometres and refused to dial down the intensity.
Their victory was followed up by success for the senior women's side.
Brooking said the race couldn't have gone much better for the Sydney squad.
"We won very convincingly. We were very happy with it," he said.
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"We stuck to our plan from the start and we were able to hold our advantage through the first corner, which can be tricky, but then we pushed on.
"Over the next kilometre we pushed away and got clear water. From there we could see where they were the whole time and we could keep pushing.
"We settled into a comfortable rhythm everyone could follow. There was no holding back and trying to maintain an advantage, it was all about pushing on with it."
Former Central Tablelands Rowing Club member Brooking is hopeful there's more good times to come in the growing event between the rival universities.
"I'm really happy to continue the university's run and get the ninth win," he said.
"From my understanding we had three Australian under 23s in the boat, including some previous 23s and senior representation as well. It's always great to row with those guys who have the experience on the big stage.
"Next year it would be great to be back in the boat trying to continue the dominance on Sydney Harbour."
Sydney University also claimed honours in the day's newly created novice race.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
