Senior Women Give Cardiff Rowing Club Hope of a Varsity Comeback

After the series of unfortunate events in the Novice races, the afternoon began in hope for Cardiff to achieve a comeback in the varsity rowing races.

Despite Swansea winning the Grangetown line in the coin toss (the favourable racing line) the Senior Women were ready to race. All 8 Senior Women walked confidently down the slipway and onto the water with the CURC president, Lucy Billington, as the cox. The spectators crowded round on Clarence road bridge in anticipation. The crowd exploded into a roar of “Yeah Cardiff!” as the Cardiff boat steamed ahead around the corner. Perfectly in time, the boat appeared to effortlessly fly across the water. Followed shortly by the Swansea boat and the launch boats coming in behind them. The boost of the crowd allowed the Senior Women to confidently hold their lead all the way to the finish line. Our first win of the day was won by an impressive 3.5 lengths. Let’s go Cardiff!

Last up were the Senior Men, after Swansea’s coin toss win, the Cardiff men were on the Grangetown side of the river (the preferable line). However, after a seat swap due to injury in the Cardiff boat, Swans had the natural advantage of a better practised crew. Therefore, as the boats pushed under Clarence bridge, the swans were powering ahead. This lead was kept for the rest of the 2km stretch. However, the Cardiff men continued to press through the gruelling race with no major mistake all the way to the finish line. Despite the Swansea win, the Senior Men did not lose by a dramatic gap, so all the Cardiff supporters were extremely proud of their efforts despite their crew disadvantage.

Celebrations for the Senior Women’s win began with the tradition of throwing coxes into the river. Lucy Billington, the CURC President, was the first to take the plunge followed by many of the Novice coxes, Senior coxes and some hilarious accidental dips by crew members. Despite the Swansea overall victory, the day was a celebration of sportsmanship and a love of rowing, enjoyed by all attendees.

Better luck next year Cardiff!