North East universities compete in boat race

Apr 30 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

THE challenge has been laid for the big student boating clash of the North East.

Newcastle and Durham scholars will hit the River Tyne next Saturday for the 13th instalment of their rivalry.

The two crews met yesterday ahead of the race. Newcastle are hoping to overturn their defeat in all four of last year’s races at the hands of their Durham arch-rivals.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 9, as a change to its regular Sunday slot, with the men’s and women’s first eights battling it out over an 1,800 metre course from Dunston Staithes to the finish line under the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

There will be also be races between the university freshmen’s and freshwomen’s eights.

Mason Durant, president of Newcastle University Boat Club, issued the challenge to his Durham counterpart Olly Offord by handing over the ceremonial oar blade at Baltic Square.

Presiding over the challenge was Dave Clasper, rowing historian and great great nephew of Tyne rowing legend Harry Clasper. Mason, 21, a final year geography student from Lancaster, said: “Our preparations are going well.

“The senior men’s eight have had a change of crew since earlier races in the year and have found some extra speed.

“I wouldn’t say we are a superstitious club, but we do feel that we have a very good chance as a club this year at the Boat Race as we have good novice men and women’s squads.

“The quality of racing has gone up and the quality of both universities have increased.”