On the 23rd of February, a 30 strong squad headed down to Newcastle to compete in the biggest head race of our calendar; BUCS held once again on the Tyne. A bright sunrise greeted us on the Saturday which was to hold the fresher events over a 3K course. The first crew to boat were the WBeg4+, our first ever fresher crew at BUCS! The girls put their months of training into every stroke, doing the club and most of all each other proud coming in an incredible 5/23 beating some top rowing universities in the process.
The second division saw the MBeg4+ take to the Tyne. After some intense sessions leading up to the race they were keen to show what they could do. They worked together, moving as a crew and finishing in a respectable 13/21
After a night to recharge and fuel up, Sunday saw the seniors turn to row the longer 5K course. With it brought some choppier conditions and tougher competition however this didn’t faze the WInt8+ and Mint4+ who were the first crews to race. The women had a strong start, pushing away from Sheffield and settling into a strong rhythm. A minor collision didn’t stop them from giving it their all up to finish line coming in 33/44. The men were close to follow with another strong race and an improved feeling in the boat from Inverness head completing the course 27/38.
As the Beast from the East closed in, it was decided the second division would be raced over the shorter 3K course and split in half. First up were the MInt8+, keen to build on from Inverness they kept their heads together and crossed the line strongly despite the rough conditions in 40/46.
Rounding off the weekend was the WInt4+ who were keen to continue on from their previous strong races throughout the season, they pushed off from the start gaining on Leeds throughout the race. They battled through waves higher than the boat to finish off 18/34.
Another fantastic weekend for DUBC with our highest placings ever at BUCS, showing that despite being a small club we can still hold our own amongst universities across the border. We’d like to thank the BUCS organisers for another smooth weekend with all competitors enjoying the experience. The results are a great place for the club to move from as we enter regatta season, and hopefully some more high placings!