Last weekend saw 43 DUBC athletes race down the Tyne course at Rutherford Head. Despite grey skies and stiff winds, each crew delivered a professional and positive performance.

Division 1

In the first division, the Men’s Squad put out 3 VIIIs ranking 3rd, 10th and 15th overall; a massive step on from last year and a fantastic start to the season of VIIIs racing. Similarly, the Women’s Squad took 4th in the 4- (band 1), 1st in the 4x (band 2), and 1st in the 4+ (band 3) overtaking 5 crews over the 4.5km course. With only a brief 45 minute turn around between divisions, the athletes pressed on to the 2nd Division.

Division 2

The Development Squad arrived brimming with energy to support DUBC in the second division. With a race already in their legs, the two Women’s VIIIs took 1st and 3rd (band 2). Out of our 3 Men’s coxed fours, 2 of them took 1st place in band 2 and 3, while the men’s 4x placed 3rd (band 1). The top Men’s VIII broke down into 2 coxless fours, placing 2nd (band 2) and 1st (band 1, 3rd fastest overall).

Summary

As a practice run for BUCS Head, which will be run on the same course on 22nd February 2020, the club delivered encouraging results all round. With our Winter Training Camp in Seville just over 3 weeks away, the club is ready to step on so we can deliver increasingly better performances throughout next term and on to Henley at the end of the year.