Being the day after Christmas dinner, Allom Cup was going to be a struggle for many, but the Mens 1st and Novice VIII’s turned up bright and early aiming to finish the term on a high.
With the first race of the Mens senior category BL Vs ICSM it was all to play for in the first race, with ICSM unfortunately winning by one seat, and continuing to win the cup.
The novice boat however continued their winning streak form the previous week and beat RUMS, UCL A, UCL B and Royal Holloway to win the novice category. The icing on the cake was their medals being presented by Rio 2016 gold medallist and former UL athlete Paul Bennett from the GB Men’s VIII. With head season approaching, it’s looking to be a hotly contested year. Watch this space.
United Hospitals' Novice Sprints
The United Hospitals' Novice Sprints was a fantastic day for BLBC. With 2 men's and 2 women's VIII sent out, there were first round wins for the men's first novice boat and both of the women's crews. Unfortunately drawn against each other in the semi finals, women's 1st boat knocked out the women's 2nds before beating RVC and continued to put in a fantastic final race, only just being bested by RUMS to take 2nd place.
The novice Men’s 1st boat frankly destroyed the opposition by beating ICSM, Georges and a very suspect looking GKT crew (who were twice the size of the KCL boat and with all the kit) all by clear water to take the win.
With a fantastic start, we hope these crews will continue to become integral members of the club and succeed in the rest of the year.
Cambridge Head
Catching the sunrise in Cambridge, the senior women’s IV set out to tear up the River Cam in the first division of the Cambridge Winter Head. After a record-breaking re-rigging time, the IV set off down the course to the start line. Only after 100m did we realise that in the hustle and bustle of the rowers and boats on the commons, we had set off without any backstays.
Never a club to let minor things like backstays, or the lack thereof, get in our way, the IV managed to set an incredible time down the course. Coming 3rd in their Student Senior category, they managed to absolutely smash the times of the IM3 category by at least 15 seconds.
It was lovely to see all the sweaty ergs; insanely early morning outings and weeks of training produce a brilliant result and we look forward to the all the women’s club making big gains in the future.
Well done to Nadia Roberts (Stroke), Joanna Fish (Seat 3), Lulu Lyons (seat 2), Anya Rutherford (Bow)!
Tanya Hossain, Women’s Captain
