News

Local men lead Universities into oarsome battle

(4 May 2010)

Former school mates Benji Dawes and Andrew Corrigan are set to lead their universities into battle in the 14th Annual University Boat Race this Sunday, May 9.

Rowers from both Durham and Newcastle University Boat Clubs gathered to witness the traditional challenge to compete for honours in the annual clash of oars between the north east's premier rowing universities.

For the first time in the history of the University Boat Race, Newcastle University are the reigning champions.

It therefore fell to Benji, who is President of Durham University Boat Club, to challenge Andrew, as President of Newcastle University Boat Club, to defend their title when the two universities go head to head on the River Tyne.

Andrew and Benji are former pupils of St Leonard's Comprehensive School, in Durham.

Benji said: 'It's difficult to put into words how much this race means. We haven't forgotten how much the loss hurt us last year, and now we have something to prove."

Andrew said: "This year's Boat Race is massive for us, and we will be going all out to retain the title in 2010."

Colin Blackburn, chair of the Boat Race Executive Committee, said: "The standard of rowing in both universities gets better year by year, and we are expecting this year's Boat Race to be a classic.

"Durham and Newcastle are consistently placed among the top universities for rowing in the UK, which is fantastic for the two universities, their home cities and the North East region", he said.

The challenge was presided over by Dave Clasper, rowing historian and great great nephew of Tyne rowing legend, Harry Clasper. "Rowing has long been a passion of mine. The success of the University Boat Race, and the talent and commitment of Newcastle and Durham University Boat Club rowers has really put the North East back on the map in terms of rowing excellence".

The University Boat Race is supported by Northumbrian Water, Port of Tyne, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University, Durham University, ncjmedia, The Environment Agency, Volker Stevin, HMS Calliope and Cancer Research UK.