University rowers compete for glory at student-organised White Rose Head in York
Liverpool came out on top of the White Rose Head in York, winning six of the nine races at the student-organised regatta
Crews at the White Rose Head (photo: Mark Woosey)
Around 500 student rowers took to the water in York on Saturday (3 December) as universities from across the north of England battled for glory in the student-organised White Rose Head on the Ouse.
Many first-year rowers will have been competing in their first races, with 89 crews vying for local bragging rights. The event is into its seventh year, although the 2015 races were cancelled due to the flooding affecting the region last December.
Crews from the universities of York, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and Manchester were among the 12 institutions taking part in the 3000m race against the stream. It was Liverpool who came out on top on the day, winning six of the nine events, including the freshers women’s eight. Hull, meanwhile, triumphed in the men’s freshers eight and Leeds took the men’s freshers coxed four.
The whole event was organised by students from the University of York, and run under BUCS rules.
Joel Kesterton, student commissioner for the Yorkshire region said: “For many of the novices taking part, this was amongst their first experiences of competitive racing and from the smiles and laughter I witnessed as I walked among the trailers, it certainly seems to have been a great day out on the water… or in it where Manchester were concerned!”
Finish umpire Donald McDougall, added: “I enjoyed the day. It is easy when the people around are helpful and willing, and it was great to feel part of a superb event. At end of day the students were well organised and all were taking on jobs and clearing away themselves – excellent teamwork and I am sure the organisers have spent a long time to make this happen – well done!”
