News Archive

Uni Boat Club Enjoys Waves Of Success – University of Reading

The University of Reading Boat Club (RUBC) has had a fantastic start to the new season, notching up various wins and placing well in some very tough events. With the famous rowing town of Henley a few strokes down the Thames and London also close-by, the competition is always fierce making the club's results all the more worthy. The summer began with some very encouraging performances, firstly in the local Reading Small Boat's Head and then it was on to the world renowned Henley Royal Regatta Stretch of the Thames. Here all the squads were racing at the Upper Thames Fours and Pairs Head and came away with wins and other very creditable placings. One of the many highlights was the success of the Men's S2 quad, which were not only winners of their category, but the fastest boat in the morning division, beating crews from the prestigious Leander and Henley rowing clubs. October saw nine members, seven men and two women, from RUBC travel up to the national trials in Boston, Lincolnshire with one aim; to be selected for the Great Britain Squad for the 2007 World Championship next August. All the club's representatives impressed the selectors, with special mention to Dan Ritchie who finished second in the heavyweight division, just behind Ian Lawson, who competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics. RUBC freshman Bill Lucas also starred, finishing fourth overall. By the end of the trials, seven of the nine RUBC athletes involved went through to the next qualifying round. RUBC's powerhouse, Graham Benton, excelled at the British Indoor Rowing Championships, held in Birmingham in November. As defending British and World Champion the pressure was on but again he pulled through, becoming the first person ever to win the title three times in a row, a magnificent achievement. This was also a great day for the women's squad, as Claire Abbey put in a fantastic performance to take the second gold of the day for the club, winning the Women's Open category. At the end of the month RUBC attended the Four's Head of the River on the Tideway in London. This national event attracts over 500 crews each year and fantastic performances from across all the squads, ensured a great end to the year for the club. Notable results came from the RUBC men's top quad that finished an impressive 4th overall, and the women's quad who won their category and a first ever Women's event pennant for RUBC. RUBC's Director of Rowing Will Rand, is delighted at the progress the club is making on and off the water: "The first part of the season has gone extremely well. Many thanks to all the club's members for continuing to make RUBC so successful as well as a terrific place to be involved with." "The club is going from strength to strength as our latest results show, and hopefully Great Britain, in particular RUBC, will have a tremendous 2007 World Championship." For more detailed coverage of recent results and information about RUBC, please contact Will Rand, the Director of Rowing at the University of Reading. Mob: 07989 972 594 Email: w.rand@reading.ac.uk Website: http://www.rubc.net