Melbourne rowers sweep Tri-Uni Challenge.
21/05/07
By Thomas Nickson

Braving chilling winds, and unwelcome early autumn mornings, Melbourne University’s rowers took to the Yarra River at the weekend, for some friendly racing in the inaugural Tri-University Challenge. Hosting rivals Sydney and Adelaide Universities, Melbourne maximized their home water advantage to sweep all races.

“This regatta is a new initiative developed by the boat club,’ said Melbourne University’s Sport Development Manager Rod Warnecke.

‘We hope it will maintain the momentum that we have established over the summer. It’s also a good opportunity to get people focusing on winter training and university games.”

Racing comprised a 4km time trial, and match-races over the 2km and 1km course.

While for many this was their first competitive outing since the National Rowing Championships in March, MUBC Head Coach Ian Wright was happy with the club’s application and attitude so early in the pre-season.

“It was just a bit of fun,’ says Wright, ‘but more importantly, we won everything.’

With MUBC also sending a women’s heavyweight eight and lightweight quad scull to the upcoming Trans- Tasman University Challenge, the weekend provided an ideal way to blow out any cob-webs before racing commences in Queenstown, New Zealand on June 30th.

However, the boat club’s ultimate focus still rests on defending their Australian University’s Championship at Hinze Dam, at September’s University Games on the Gold Coast.