Jones was among thousands of students, parents and friends who lined the banks of the Sydney International Regatta Centre to support the nine competing schools in what is one of the biggest school events on the Australian rowing calendar.

Hot and still conditions saw results across the regatta generally around eight to 10 seconds slower than the times recorded on a tail wind-assisted course at Head of the River last year, and at the King’s/PLC Regatta on February 3.

In spite of that, the TAS First IV and Third IV both crossed the line in their second fastest times of the season.

Battling it out with The King’s School for third place for much of the race, the TAS First IV ultimately finished fifth in 7:08:32.

A re-formed Second IV took to the water in their first race together as a crew, after Sebastian Etheridge had to withdraw due to glandular fever and was replaced by Luke Rorke.

Placing seventh they crossed the line in 7:40:89.