1906 PSA Head of the River

The race was moved permanently two months earlier than past races and held on Saturday 28th April 1906.

Light Blue in the Western Mail reported on the race as follows.

When it was arranged by the Secondary Schools.' Association that the schools' boat race should be rowed in future two months earlier in the year than formerly, the only objection offered to the change was that smooth water could not be depended upon at this season. So far as Saturday last was concerned, spectators saw as complete a refutation of this charge as those both directly and indirectly interested in the day's proceedings could have desired. The sun shone warmly, and perfect weather conditions rendered a large attendance a foregone conclusion.

Friends of the oarsmen, of the schools engaged, and rowing devotees in general, assembled to witness the race. Numbers thronged the terraces of King's Park, while others sought a nearer view from Mount's Bay Road, and still others viewed the event from excursion steamers or pleasure boats, with which latter the "Narrows" was plentifully dotted.

The West Australian Rowing Association had secured the Westralian for the occasion, and this boat bore the officials, together with a very large number of passengers, who wished to see the race, and the whole race.

A start was to have been made at 3.30, but time was well on its way towards four when Scotch College paddled leisurely down to the starting point, followed shortly by the remaining crews. Mr. C. Horsborough, who in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Underwood, had kindly consented to act as starter, presently got the boats, in line, and sent them away on equal terms. It was however, only for six or seven strokes, for scarcely had the boats got under way when one of the Guildford crew caught a crab, and confusion reigned in their boat. The crews were thereupon called back for a fresh start, and at this attempt went on their way without mishap. Scotch College stroke set his crew a fast but even stroke, and in his boat was none of that fatal bustle evident amongst the other crews, and which at the initial start was responsible for Guildford's misfortune.

Davy set Guildford a very fast stroke, which gave them the lead at the outset, and they managed to keep their boat well in advance of Scotch College for nearly half the distance. Christian Brother's College were pulling strongly, and indeed disputed second position with the Claremont boys, until disaster befell them; their bow caught a crab, and the Blue and Whites dropped rapidly astern.

High School, who, despite their lack of weight, had been pulling gamely, although some yards behind, and had not for some time materially lost ground, now saw a fit occasion to call up their reserve powers, and spectators were agreeably surprised to see them make a plucky spurt, and their craft, in response, shot forward at a good speed, passing Christian Brothers' College, and gaining visibly on Guildford, encouraged by cheers from the Westralian, where the spirit of the effort was appreciated.