On 22nd February, DUBC competed at BUCS Head, which was held on our home stretch of water, the River Tyne. University crews travel from across the entire country to row on this 5,000m course and compete in one of the most important and prestigious events of the university rowing calendar. DUBC continued to thrive this year, delivering strong performances across a wide variety of boat classes, from Championship eights to Intermediate coxless fours. BUCS head is a great opportunity for rowers from the boat club to score as many BUCS points as possible, ahead of the BUCS regatta in the summer.
The Women’s Squad
The women’s squad performed very well across both divisions 1 and 2, coming away with one gold medal, and two silver medals. Division 1 saw an impressive performance from the first eight, achieving a silver medal in Championship eights, behind university rivals, Newcastle University. The second eight put in an equally valiant effort, finishing fourth overall in their event, with noticeably small margins.
The afternoon division saw particularly tough racing conditions through high winds. An intense focus on rowing technique was vital in ensuring strong performances. This was an opportunity for the boat club to show fellow competitors our rowing skills at a technical level, required to carry us through racing. The women continued to perform strongly in the Championship coxed four, Championship coxless four, Intermediate coxed four and Championship lightweight coxless four events. Noticeably, the Championship coxed four crew won their event by 30 seconds, an incredible achievement. Congratulations to all the women who competed in BUCS head, a promising set of results leading into WEHoRR in two weeks.
The women’s championship coxed four
The Men’s Squad
The men’s squad achieved an impressive set of results, ultimately walking away with the Open ‘Victor Ludorum’ Cup, with 312 points. The men achieved two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal, showing domineering performances across both divisions. A highlight from Division 1 must be the impressive win from the Open Championship coxless four, winning by 19 seconds in front of the University of Edinburgh. DUBC men entered three eights into division 2, with the first eight noticeably winning Open Championship eights and the second eight achieving a silver medal in Open Intermediate eights. This set of solid performances provides exciting prospects for a successful year ahead, looking forward to the men’s head of the river, a fantastic opportunity to race some of the most domineering rowing clubs across the UK, including Leander and Thames.
The men’s second eight
The Development Squad
BUCS Head marked the very first rowing event for our development squad, an exciting opportunity to prove their progress to other university crews and experience the unique atmosphere and culture that rowing events bring. This year, due to high winds, the development squad raced on Saturday instead of Sunday. The women’s coxed four were up first and put down a gallant performance, in the women’s Intermediate coxed four category. The Open Beginner men’s eight showed equal strength, finishing 7th in their category, a promising start for both crews!
This year’s Development Squad
I would further like to show appreciation for the generosity of the host clubs, Tyne United Rowing Club, Tyne Amateur Rowing Club and Newcastle University Boat Club, for their continuous support in creating such a smooth running of events such as these. Many thanks go to their extensive provision of delicious cakes and hot food to satisfy our hunger needs! An appreciation to all DUBC parents should also be made, in taking lots of helpful video footage, great photos, and providing tremendous support along the course.
Summary of Results
Op Ch 8+- Gold
Op Ch 4- Gold
W Ch 4+- Gold
W Ch 8+- Silver
Op Int 8+- Silver
W Ch 4- Silver
Op Int 4+- Silver
Op Ch 4+- Bronze
By Antonia Warner.