1926 QLD GPS Head of the River

1st Anglican Church Grammar School - Bow: D. B. Persse 10st, 2: D. G. B. McAdam 11st 8lbs, 3: L. O. W. Cameron 11st 2lbs, Str: D. A. Snelling 11st, Cox: E. Moore, Coach: Mr. A. A. Watson

2nd The Southport School - Bow: P. L. Blundell, 2: G. F. Bell, 3: K. C. Lahey, Str: C. D. Hayter, Cox: C. D. Gunthorne

3rd Brisbane Grammar School - Bow: E. P. Rowe, 2: S. Marriott, 3: W. Kidston, Str: G. C. M. Campbell, Cox: N. J. Hooper

4th Brisbane State High School - Bow: W. Allen, 2: K. Wingrove, 3: F. Wyatt, Str: C. Colledge, Cox: V. Anderson

5th Brisbane Boys’ College - Bow: W. J. D. Shaw, 2: J. A. Maynard, 3: C. H. Walthall, Str: G Klingner, Cox: R. Logan, Coach: Mr. R. S. Phelan

Church of England Grammar School 1926 Victorious Crew

D.G. McAdams (2), O.E.L. Moore (cox), D.B. Persse (bow), Mr. A.A. Watson (coach), L.O. Cameron (3), D.A. Snelling (stroke)

Church of England Grammar School Crew

From left to right: E. Moore, D. Snelling, L. Cameron, E. McAdam, D.B. Persse

The 5 Schools getting into line for the start

From closest to farthest: Brisbane Boy's College, Church of England Grammar School, Brisbane State High School, Brisbane Grammar School and The Southport School

The finish of the Head of the River race on the Bridge Reach

"Some of the enthusiastic throng waiting to see the finish of the Head of the River"

The Brisbane Boys' College 1925 Head of the River Crew

Standing: C.H. Walthall (3), J.A. Maynard (2). Sitting: G. Klingner (stroke), Mr. R.S. Phelan (coach), W.J.D. Shaw (bow). In front: K. Logan (cox).

The Race Described

For the first time since 1923, the crews got away to time and they all started well.

Amid cries of "They're off!" from the crowd, Brisbane Grammar had gone ahead in the first 100 yards rating 42 strokes to the minute. Yet all the crews were well matched up until the Victoria Bridge with only one and a half lengths separating first from fifth place.

As the race extended into its second half, Brisbane Grammar were displaced by Churchie who had put in half a dozen strokes that had positioning them in the lead by half a length. Rowing beautifully with a great length of stroke and only rating 32, Churchie looked poised to get their hands on the O'Connor Cup for a second time.

However Southport had put in a shift of their own and were hanging on tenaciously. Stroking a powerful 34, the Seasiders were only a length behind Churchie at Brown's Wharf with 200 yards to the post.

When the boats came into view of the spectators gathered at finishing line at the Domain, it was clear that the fight for the trophy would be between Southport and Churchie. The desperate expressions of the respective crew members evident of their burning desire to take home the silverware and do their school proud.

Having preserved their energy by rowing the lowest rating throughout yet leading through their strong blade-work, Churchie made a magnificent final spurt in the closing stages to which Southport, owing to fatigue, could not find a response. So loud was the noise from the passionate supporters that the pistol which signified victory for Church of England Grammar by one and a half lengths over Southport, was not heard by the victorious crew, who continued to rowing for 50 yards.

The time was 3:55.00, a record for the contest.

Brisbane Grammar came in third by 1 length with State High School, whose stroke's oar broke in the initial stroke of the race making their title defence unlikely, fourth by the same margin. A length separated State High and Brisbane Boys' College. College's performance was courageous given their troubled preparation on account of dengue fever.

At the Conclusion, the Denis O’Connor Cup was presented to Church of England Grammar School by Mr. F. W. De Little who congratulated them and all the competing crews on a splendid performance. This was Churchie's second victory in the history of the trophy.