Tuesday 21-03-2017 - 11:50

Despite a bleak weather outlook as the morning of the boat race dawned the excitement was almost palpable around the start line. The wind whipped across the harbour as supporters grabbed a foam hand and found a spot near the end line. First up were the novice men. This was a comfortable victory for UWE which bodes well for them in future years. Our novice ladies fared better, coxed by Rosie Hudson they levelled the blade races (the novice and senior races) to 1-1 with ease.

 

The victorious @uobboatclub Women's 8 in #bristol #varsity series. #wearebristol #rowing @bristol_su #embracetheriv… pic.twitter.com/s6gqN2Rmd0

— FineTime Photography (@FineTimePhoto) March 19, 2017

 

There followed a series of exhibition races including teams from Cardiff and Landaff before the hotly contested Alumni Races. Former Sports Officer Steph Harris rolled back the years to take part in the women's race and once again tasted glory as Bristol brought it home by some distance. Unfortunately the men did not fare so well with a shock UWE win. The shame of the defeat was etched across all faces.

Just the two senior races to go and the men's event was some race - both crews neck and neck right until the end when Bristol got ahead by a nose - a fantastic row from both crews and Bristol breathing a sigh of relief at 2-1, whilst many Bristol supporters changed underwear and commented 'it was never in doubt'.

 

This is how close the senior men's race was... bring on senior women! #teamuwe #embracetherivalry @bristol_su pic.twitter.com/2UipruSFCQ

— The SU at UWE (@TheSUatUWE) March 18, 2017

 

The women's race wasn't so close with a clear Bristol win and celebrations as we retained the blade 3-1 on the day. Awards were given, hands were shaken and cheap prosecco was sprayed. A huge congratulations to our boat club for a fantastic performance. We are all very proud!

Attention now shifts to the colour run on Wednesday...you can still sign up here if you fancy it.

 

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You can check out all tickets and fixtures for the 2017 Varsity Series at varsityseries.com