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After a long drive up to Newcastle, Exeter were determined to make their mark on the Tyne in what was our first official race of the 2023/24 season!
36 senior athletes raced on Saturday. The men’s and women’s Champ 8+’s both placed 6th in close competition with the top crews in the country, a strong starting place for an exciting year ahead. The 2nd 8’s, entered in the Intermediate category, finished 5th in women’s and 12th in men’s demonstrating strength and depth across the squad. Athletes also competed in the 4’s categories helping to pick up crucial VL points with the following results: MInt 4x- 8th MCh 4- 10th MInt 4+ 16th and 21st WInt 4x- 9th WCh 4- 6th W Int 4+ 6th and 14th. Sunday saw the novices race for the first time with a terrific debut. The men’s beginner 8+ started the day by winning their category as the fastest novice men in the country by over 5 seconds. Their success continued into the afternoon where they picked up a second gold medal winning the men’s beginner 4x and fought hard to a 6th place in the men’s beginner 4+. The novice women also put in an excellent performance in a very competitive field to come 14th in the women’s beginner 8+ and 14th in the women’s beginner 4+. The final standings placed Exeter 9th in the BUCS Head Victor Ludorum, one of the highest results in recent years but one that only reinforces the need to crack on back in Exeter in order to maintain and build on these results heading into WEHORR and HORR in the next few weeks. In Exeter’s first appearance at GB Trials since 2019 Issie Magee, Jamie Pollock and George Farthing (cox) travelled up to Boston to set down a marker ahead of U23 World Championships this summer, it was also the first trials for the 2028 LA Olympics. An outstanding performance, Issie was the 4th fastest U21, coming 20th overall in the W1x. Jamie's performance was equally impressive finishing 9th out of the U21’s and 28th in the M1x. Well done to both for their success in the singles, focus now switches to the big boats for BUCS Head in Newcastle and the Heads of the River on the Tideway.
 A new year has begun for UOEBC and a new name isn't the only change the club has undergone! After a strong effort from this year's committee on Forum Hill during Welcome Week, club membership has skyrocketed to over 200 members and the atmosphere down at the boathouse is constantly buzzing.
I would like to use this forum to update you all on the ongoing work of the club and provide insight into future plans. With the recent announcement of Beach Sprint rowing's addition to the LA 2028 Olympic Games, a large part of the club's development plan is to launch UOEBC's involvement with Coastal and Beach Sprint rowing. With new members having already represented Great Britain at the U19 European and World Championships in these disciplines, we are exploring opportunities with Exmouth Rowing Club to be a leader in identifying and developing talent in this new element to our sport. Another project in our aim of widening participation has been the introduction of ergo trial memberships with plans to run our own "rock up and row" courses on campus. This aims to increase the accessibility of rowing and provide the opportunity for students and the people of Exeter to give rowing a go when they may have never had the chance before. I am pleased to announce the return of the 24 Hour Charity Row, this year in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Please look out for us in December and support our members in their efforts. Perhaps even pop into The Forum on campus and contribute some miles yourself if you can! UOEBC continues to be a highly competitive club, this year's fixtures will begin with The Fours Head on the 5th November where we will have 5 crews racing down the Tideway. Any supporters from the bank are highly encouraged. We also have four of our athletes attending GB Rowing Team Senior and U23 Trials in Boston in November. Jamie Pollock, Issey Barnes and Issie Magee are currently preparing with the help of cox and Head Student Coach, George Farthing and we wish them the best of luck. I am massively excited for a strong turnout at Vesta RC on Saturday, 14th October for the Student vs Alumni Boat Race. 9 students have been carefully selected to see if they can reclaim the coveted trophy blade from the alumni crew. Updates will follow soon! Charlie Griffith |
