After a succession of storms the river level dropped sufficiently for both days of the 2023 Durham College Rowing Novice Cup to go ahead on November 25th and 26th.
The event for coxed fours representing the 16 College Boat Clubs is for rowers who are new to the sport this year and have learnt to row at their college during the Michaelmas term. Rowing at Durham has a long tradition, and each year attracts large numbers of new participants to the sport. The clubs are very proud of their novices, whose progress in such a short time is remarkable given the limited water time available to them on a congested river under the prevailing conditions, and the fact that the event fills a late November slot in the timetable that is very susceptible to cancellation or curtailment due to adverse conditions.
The Novice Cup involves a time trial on Saturday over the short course during which crews are required to demonstrate their competence by carrying out an emergency stop and 360 degree spin within the length of Collingwood landing stage, any transgressions resulting in time penalties. 44 crews entered with the 16 fastest in Men’s and Women’s categories qualifying for side by side regatta racing in knockout format on Sunday over a shortened regatta course, finishing at Baths Bridge.
After an exciting and enjoyable weekend in cold but pleasant conditions University College BC was declared winner of the Men’s division, overcoming St John’s College in the final, while South College BC emerged as winner of the Women’s trophy, beating University College in the final, after coming through four rounds of racing, a notable achievement for South after admitting its first students in 2020. A report by UCBC can be found here.
Results from Saturday and Sunday are available in a spreadsheet here.
Novice Cup 2023
Although the Senate Cup for College senior fours, due to have taken place in October, was a victim of the weather, the College Rowing season continues next term with crews racing over the long course in the Novice Head and Senate Head.