Race day a clean sweep for Durham

May 12 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

DURHAM University rowers were celebrating last night after triumphing in the 12th annual University Boat Race.

The institution’s squads beat off stiff competition from rivals Newcastle University, winning all four events on the Tyne yesterday afternoon.

The 2008 event, which pitched the teams against one another on an 1,800 metre course, was watched by thousands of spectators and Durham’s first victory came in the Freshwomen’s eight, which won by two lengths.

In the Freshmen’s eight, Durham led from the start. They were a length and a half in front coming out of the Swing Bridge, and went on to finish by three and a half lengths.

But the most emphatic victory of the afternoon belonged to Durham’s Senior Women’s eight, who stormed away from Newcastle to win the race by a distance, despite tricky conditions at the start of the race, where a brisk breeze had created some choppy water.

With the 2008 title already decided, it was left to Newcastle’s Senior Men’s eight to try to salvage a result from the final race of the day. In the most closely fought race of the afternoon, in the early stages, Newcastle were in front by about a quarter of a length.

Near the finish line, it was neck and neck, but disaster struck for Newcastle as under the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, they momentarily went off course, resulting in a clash of oars with the Durham boat. Durham went on to win by a length and a half.

A delighted Rob Stark, President of Durham University Boat Club, said: “It’s fantastic to have won all four races. I’m particularly pleased that the Freshmen and Freshwomen won their races, because it signifies that we have a very bright future.

“The results are testament to the strength and depth we have in our squad, and I’m absolutely thrilled with their performances.”

Dan Cupit, President of Newcastle University Boat Club, added: “Obviously we’re disappointed, but that’s the way it goes, and we’ll be back next year more determined than ever.”

Newcastle University Director of Sport Colin Blackburn said: “The number of people that have been out to support this event today has been fantastic. Hopefully each year more and more people will come down to the Tyne and see it.”

The Vice Chancellors of both Durham University and Newcastle, Professors Christopher Higgins and Chris Brink also addressed an audience of corporate sponsors and supporters.

Prof Higgins said: “This is the national boat race and a wonderful event for these two universities.” Prof Brink added: “This is a very happy event and it has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. I think this is Newcastle Gateshead at its best.”

The chosen charity for the event was Cancer Research UK.

Results in full:

Schools Eights: Newcastle won by five lengths. Freshwomen’s Eights ( Taylor Trophy): Durham won by two lengths.

Freshmen’s Eights (Renforth Trophy): Durham won by three and a half lengths. Senior Women’s Eights (Chambers Trophy): Durham won by a distance.

Senior Men’s Eights (Clasper Trophy): Durham won by one and a half lengths.