After snow and heavy rain left the River Ouse unfit for today’s rowing competition, York’s Varsity rowing competition is forced to move indoors as the teams take to the rowing machines.
In a reduced schedule of only four races, the Men’s and Women’s 8 man 4000m Novice race would be held simultaneously followed by the 8000m senior races. The distance was divided between rowers and it became clear that the changeover between rowers would be key, with all teams dispensing with foot straps, and instead having two team mates hold down their feet, to quicken the transition.
The enclosed space made for an electric atmosphere with both teams passionately urging on their athletes, however in the novice races no amount of York St John cheering could help bridge the gap in class and York Uni were convincing winners in both races.
Although many expected a similar result in the senior races York St John gained an early lead in the men’s race, and it looked for most of the race that they would steal York’s glory, however with a courageous effort York began to close the gap and the race finished in dramatic fashion with York Uni winning by less than 5m, literally seconds before York St John’s.
This drama could not be matched in the women’s senior race, with York completing a clean sweep with a convincing win.
York’s victorious President, Ashley Haycock summed up her feelings after the event, “I’m disappointed that we couldn’t face them on the water, anybody can get on a rowing machine, but it takes a real rower to perform in a boat. Nonetheless we did what we had to do, and the men’s senior race was very exciting. For our team to come back and snatch victory like that just shows the spirit and determination that our whole club has. ”
York St John President, Sarah Scarth conceded that “the river hasn’t been our friend in the past but we have worked hard recently and were looking forward to facing York on the water, however we are glad we had the opportunity for some kind of competition today. Some of the races were very close, the senior men’s in particular, and despite the result I am very proud of all our teams’ performances.