Newcastle University rowers crowned BUCS 4s and 8s Head winners

Newcastle University Boat Club (NUBC) have beaten other UK university crews to win the BUCS Head on River Tyne.

NUBC were overall winners at the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) 4s and 8s Head on the River Tyne. They won the coveted Victor Ludorum trophies (awarded for gaining most points) for men’s team, ladies’ team and overall race.

More than 240 crews took part, racing in both 4s and 8s over the 5km course.

Highlights for NUBC included winning gold medals. These were in the Women’s Championship eight, Men’s Championship Lightweight 4, Women’s Intermediate 8+ and Women’s Intermediate 4+. NUBC also won four silver medals. They won two bronze medals and had four 4th placed finishers. It's their best ever set of results at this event.

NUBC President, Kat Bulmer, said: "It was a massive privilege to have BUCS Head back on the Tyne. To see the results the club managed to achieve was really special. The hard work we've put in throughout the winter clearly paid off. It has set us up nicely for the rest of the season.

“I'd like to say a huge thank you to Tyne Amateur Rowing Club and Tyne United Rowing Club. They helped us run the event. I'd like to thank to all the volunteers from all three clubs. They braved the elements to ensure everything went smoothly. It was my first year racing BUCS Head on home water. I hope it is here to stay for many more years!"

This was the fourth time the home clubs have hosted the students' biggest winter rowing event. Due to weather conditions, the beginners’ events, scheduled take place on Sunday 23 February, were cancelled. The Championship and Intermediate events were switched from Saturday to Sunday.

The rowing conditions on the Sunday morning were testing. But all crews adapted well and enjoyed their 5 km head races. The winds picked up in the afternoon, making the conditions even more challenging. It required the course to be shortened to 3km. Despite this, all crews gave their all. They contributed to a very enjoyable day of racing on the Tyne.

Newcastle University’s Director of Sports Services, Colin Blackburn, chaired the Local Organising Committee. They hosted the event in partnership with BUCS. He said: “We are somewhat relieved that the event has taken place. More than 240 student crews and their coaches had the opportunity to race. We managed to get a full day of racing in. It was touch and go for Division 2 on the Sunday afternoon. The officials, race marshals and umpires did a great job in ensuring that everyone was able to race.

“The racing was tough and hard fought between the crews. I am delighted that Newcastle University came out on top gaining a clean sweep of the Victor Ludorum Trophies. I would like to thank the two community rowing clubs and all our volunteers.”