Oars at the ready for university boat race

May 9 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

STUDENT rowers from Newcastle and Durham University Boat Clubs will take to the water later today in a race to the finish.

The two rival institutions will go head to head in the 2009 University Boat Race on the Tyne.

Races will take place from 4.50pm over a challenging 1,800-metre course from Dunston Staithes, Gateshead to the Millennium Bridge.

It will begin with the freshmen’s and freshwomen’s eights before the senior men and women’s eights battle it out for the trophy.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the rejuvenated Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides and the iconic bridges crossing the Tyne, it’s a very different picture from that of 13 years ago when the challenge was first made.

The event also includes a schools’ race, between composite crews from schools in Northumberland, Newcastle and Durham.

With city as well as university pride at stake, the competition is set to be as fierce as ever, providing an exciting spectacle as the crews race full tilt for the finish line under the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

There will also be entertainment for crowds expected to line the quayside cheered on by Newcastle University Cheerleaders, Ellington Colliery Band and Gateshead Street Cheer.

Colin Blackburn, chairman of the boat race executive committee, said: “There is a real air of expectancy ahead of this year’s University Boat Race.

“Last weekend, Durham and Newcastle Universities successfully defended their position as the top two BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) ranked universities in the country.

“That recent success, and the legendary rivalry between the two university boat clubs, means we are in for a really exciting spectacle when the crews go head-to-head.

“There is an enormous amount of individual and team pride at stake, and I think we are set to see an epic battle unfold on the river this afternoon.”

3.30pm Dragon Boat Race 1

3.45pm Dragon Boat Race 2

4.30pm Schools' Mixed Eights

4.50pm Freshwomen's Eights

5.10pm Freshmen's Eights

5.30pm Women's First Eights

5.50pm Men's First Eights

6.15pm Presentations

6.30pm Duck Race (Port of Tyne)

There is an enormous amount of individual and team pride at stake, and I think we are set to see an epic battle unfold