Hampton’s Greatest Sporting Moments: First VIII’s Henley triumph reaches quarter-finals

By Josh Bartholomew

The First VIII’s victory in the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in 1985 became the fifth entry to reach the quarter-finals of HSC’s Hampton’s Greatest Sporting Moments competition.

Competing against three other moments: the First XV’s Daily Mail Vase final, Akbar Ansari’s Varsity heroics and the Boat Club’s success at Schools’ Head in 2013, the First VIII of 1985 won convincingly, attracting 64 per cent of the vote.

Its next competitor was fellow rowing entry, Hampton’s overall Schools’ Head triumphs in 2013, who picked up 24 per cent.

The Henley-winning Boat of 1985 becomes the fifth moment into the quarter-finals, which will take place in June, following: Calogero Scannella’s ISFA-winning hat-trick (2015), the First XI’s ESFA win (2019), Chris Mahoney’s Olympic glory, and the 1988 Triple-winning crew.

The search for Hampton’s Greatest Sporting Moment continues on Monday with Group Six.