WRC regatta 2010
Sun’s Out – Guns Out
Basking in glorious sunshine from start to finish and with the river providing near perfect conditions the 2010 Worcester Spring Regatta was a fantastic day out for both spectators and crews alike. Hosted by our landlords at Worcester Rowing Club, the Regatta is the closest thing to a home fixture for the University of Worcester Rowing Club. Racing takes place on a very familiar stretch to the university rowers, the 750 meters of the River Severn, from Road Bridge to clubhouse, is turned in to an exciting sprint course as each crew race head to head in a straight elimination competition. The short course runs along two accessible banks ensuring that crowds are not only large but raucous and vocal, and the familiar footbridge that links the two university campuses becomes the best seat in the house for students cheering their team home to victory.
In addition to a great day of racing the regatta is a unique opportunity to make friends (as well as rivals and enemies) in the local rowing community as clubs arrive in Worcester from all across the Three Counties and beyond. It was against this background that UWRC, still the new kid on the block, aimed to expand its local reputation, helped by the welcome sight of the University’s Sports Therapy students who were on hand with free massage for all competitors.
On the water the University of Worcester partnership of Sheppard and Clarke-Hackston built on their superb performance in Nottingham to take the Women’s Novice 2x, and it appeared no one could stop them as the ladies of UWRC also moved up and claimed the Women’s Intermediate(3) 2x. The Regatta would also see fresher crew pitched against senior crew as the University provided both finalists for the Men’s Novice 4. The squad had already reaped the benefits of exemplary teamwork to win the Men’s Novice 8 title but no love was lost as the two halves of the 8 boat locked horns in their respective small boats. Incumbent squad captain and fresher, Nicky White led his team against club president, Ashley Richards and the senior four in what would be their last race before graduation. In a thrilling final decided by a boats length the freshers prevailed proving, themselves worthy of the challenge and demonstrating that UWRC grows stronger each year. The final result will also, no doubt, ensure the addition of an Alumni Team in 2011 as graduates return with an axe to grind and a score to settle.
- Neil Larner
