Return to The Rowing Service or to UK Results Index
Report filed by Jo White, Lancaster University Boat Club.
Roses is the annual chance for Lancaster and York University teams to compete against each other, scoring points, to win the Roses trophy. Part of this event is the rowing competition. This year it took place on the River Lune at Lancaster. The course is 800m long, starting at the Aquaduct and finishing at John O Gaunt Boathouse. Hazards are many, ranging from the novice rowers from Gaunt to the Weir right at the finish.
There are 6 races in all over the period of 4 hours. These are Novice Womens 4+, Novice Men's 4+, Senior Womens 4+, Senior Mens 4+, Senior Women's VIII and the grand finale being the Senior Mens VIII.
This year, Lancaster virtually demolished their opposition, losing only the Women's Senior 4+ race, and even this was a close run one. Lancaster's Roses squad has been the strongest it has fielded for some years. The squad has benefitted from the services of a regular coach. The York women failed to take advantage of scrappy rowing in the Women's Eight race, Lancaster winning thanks to sheer guts and determination on their part; the 3 senior women in the crew not letting their loss affect their performances. The Senior Men looked the strongest of all the crews, outclassing York in both their races. The Eight won by well over 3 lengths.
All in all, Lancaster showed that their effort and time in training had paid off. This is crucial especially for the Men's Senior 4 who are attempting to become the first ever Lancaster crew to achieve a place at Henley. It also shows the level of commitment from the club as a whole.
Jo White
LUBC