123 CANOEING At the KZN schools river championships, Rory McNeill finished in a remarkable third place in the U 16 age group and twelfth overall. Rober t McConnell finished second in the U 14 age group. The team then tackled the flatwater season, focussing on sprints and marathon racing. The team par ticipated in the KZN sprints at Nagle Dam where a number of our boys won medals. The team then travelled to Johannesburg to par ticipate in the SA marathon championships at Homestead Lake. Despite not winning medals, the boys were exposed to top quality competition and gained valuable experience in preparation for qualifying for the world marathon championships. This event, in 2017, will be hosted by South Africa.The prospect is a massive incentive for our boys. The SA K4 event was held at Shongweni Dam. In the U 14 age group Dylan Hanson and team placed first Rober t McConnell, Callam Davis and team were placed second. The crew of Stuar t McCleave, Rory McNeill, Matthew Pitcher and Timothy Marsh were placed third in the U 16 age group. The annual trip to Craddock for the Fish River canoe marathon was always going to be eventful. Despite the usual trailer issues, the boys began the race fully prepared for this exciting event. A group of eight boys raced, competing in various categories including K1s, K2s and K3s.The top Kearsney performer was Rory McNeill, while Matthew Pitcher and team finished four th in the mixed K3 category.We were pleased to see two U 14 paddlers, Rober t McConnell and Brandon Palmer, both completing their first ‘Fish’. So canoeing is in an extremely healthy position. Credit must go to all the boys who compete. Each boy has weathered his personal challenge, even if that has been to complete the race. Determination, effor t, training and fun have been the secrets to the success of this team and, coupled with the invaluable suppor t of the parents, these boys have represented the College with distinction. Steve Main
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