News

Freshwomen Rowers Fight to be First

(5 May 2004)

Sixteen Freshwomen rowers are set to lock oars in Baltic Square this Wednesday (5 May) when they throw down the challenge to compete for honours in the 2004 Northumbrian Water University Boat Race.

The teams of eight female Freshers - first year students - from Durham and Newcastle Universities will meet to launch this year's event - which, for the first time ever, includes a clash between the Freshwomen's Eights from both universities.

Chairman of the Boat Race Executive Committee, Graham Rayner, said: 'The addition of the Freshwomen's race gives the event a new dimension. Both University Boat Clubs have campaigned for the inclusion of a Freshwomen's VIIIs race for a number of years, which is an indication of just how much importance they attach to this event in their annual rowing calendar.'

Newcastle University Boat Club President, Susie Nicholas, will challenge Durham's President, Katie Oven, to compete in this year's race on Sunday 16 May. The formal challenge involves the offer and acceptance of the ceremonial oar.

Northumbrian Water Communications Manager, Alistair Baker, who will preside over the challenge, said: 'The Boat Race is as much a celebration of the success of Northumbrian Water's clean up of River Tyne as it is a sporting event. Both are synonymous with water as a symbol of a healthy lifestyle and we are very proud that our investment in the Tyne has enabled the River, and the Boat Race, to take their place among the region's major attractions.'

After the disappointment of the last minute cancellation of the 2003 race due to dangerous conditions on the water, expectations are naturally running very high through both camps.

'Newcastle's rowers have had to wait two years for the chance to try to set the record straight with their Durham rivals', added Alistair Baker. 'They are really fired up for a showdown, so I think we are in for a great spectacle when they take to the Tyne in a couple of weeks' time.'

Notes for Editors:
Freshers teams are made up of the most promising first year student rowers - many of whom have not been involved in the sport prior to taking it up at University.


Freshers' team members often go on to great success, two recent Durham freshmen have attended the final trials for the GB u23 squads and several have gone on to captain their college boat clubs.

For further information, please contact Alastair Baker, Communications Manager, Northumbrian Water, on 0191 301 6851, Helen Swain, Durham University Press Office, on 0191 334 0017, or Melanie Reed, Newcastle University Press Office, on 0191 222 5791.

OPERATIONAL NOTE: Date & time: Wednesday 5 May, 2002, 12.00 noon
Location: Baltic Square, Gateshead.
Event: Launch of 2004 Northumbrian Water University Boat Race Freshwomen Rowers from Newcastle University will challenge their Durham University rivals - and current holders of the trophy - to compete in the 8th Annual Northumbrian Water University Boat Race. --