Queen’s rowing has tackled many obstacles over the past month. The rowers have juggled exams and training; select Lady Victorians tirelessly worked on the Boat Race, and the coaches spent countless hours refining their crews.
International Wedau Regatta, 14-16 May 2010. Queen’s senior men’s eight, along with sculler Colin Williamson, set off to Duisburg, Germany, to experience top-flight European competition. On day one, Queen’s senior eight lined up against the current U23 World Champions, Poland, the U23 French Eights, and Eton College. This was an amazing opportunity for the crew to test their boat speed against seasoned internationals. In an inspired row, the Queen’s men fought hard to finish third, in a time of 6:17.01, keeping contact with the winning Polish crew. Day two, Queen’s had the honour of lining up against the current German senior men’s squad. This affair proved a valuable lesson to the crew in world-class rowing and genetics as the German crews dominated the field. Colin Williamson raced well in his final finishing third, just 7 seconds behind the winning sculler, in a field of experienced heavyweights.
International Wedau Regatta, 14-16 May 2010. Queen’s senior men’s eight, along with sculler Colin Williamson, set off to Duisburg, Germany, to experience top-flight European competition. On day one, Queen’s senior eight lined up against the current U23 World Champions, Poland, the U23 French Eights, and Eton College. This was an amazing opportunity for the crew to test their boat speed against seasoned internationals. In an inspired row, the Queen’s men fought hard to finish third, in a time of 6:17.01, keeping contact with the winning Polish crew. Day two, Queen’s had the honour of lining up against the current German senior men’s squad. This affair proved a valuable lesson to the crew in world-class rowing and genetics as the German crews dominated the field. Colin Williamson raced well in his final finishing third, just 7 seconds behind the winning sculler, in a field of experienced heavyweights.
Queen’s Men (top picture) cross the line, third in Saturday’s Final.
Remada Hotel Shaw’s Bridge Boat Race, 5 June 2010.
In its seventh year, the 2010 Queen’s – Trinity Boat Race proved a fantastic affair. Honours were split down the middle with Trinity taking two wins (Senior Ladies and Fresher Men) and Queen’s two wins (Senior Men and Fresher Women).
The fresher women continued their fantastic season, winning by a comfortable 4 lengths lead. The fresher men’s race was undoubtedly the most exciting race of the day, with both crews neck and neck the whole way. Trinity men managed to fend off Queen’s in the closing straight, winning by three-quarters of a length. The senior ladies’ race was a win for Trinity of two and a half lengths. The closing senior men’s race was a clear win for Queen’s who led from the start. The win closed the gap to 4-3 in Trinity’s favour. Queen’s men aim to level the series next year.
True to form, the occasion was well enjoyed by everyone involved, competing and spectating. Many old friendships were revisited and many new ones formed. Queen’s rowing would like to thank Trinity for their continued involvement, Lord Diljit Rana for his sponsorship of the event, and Dave Russell and Claire Brown for their tremendous efforts in organising the event.
Queen’s senior men celebrate their boat race victory.
Blues Awards Dinner, 10 June 2010.
Last week, Queen’s rowers attended the annual Queen’s Blues Awards Presentation Dinner. Last year’s victorious Irish Rowing Championship crews attended, receiving half blues for their efforts in the 2008/2009 rowing season.
Queen’s rowers attend Blues Dinner.
With the crews now finished with examinations, the focus turns to Henley Women’s Regatta (18-20 June) and Henley Royal Regatta (30 June – 4 July). In the run up to Henley, Queen’s men are racing at Marlow (19-20 June), to gauge the present competition in England. In their preparations, we wish all the crews the very best of luck, and offer our continued support throughout. Irish Championships are just over the horizon also, where Queens will hope to finish out the season on a high.