Two Wins at Women's Henley
Oxford University had a fantastic weekend at the 2008 Henley Women's Regatta as crews won Intermediate Eights and Senior Coxed Fours, racing as Osiris. The wind on Sunday produced challenging weather conditions but the coxes dealt capably with the steering difficulties this posed. The crew's performance continues a highly successful summer racing season with Osiris winning events at Metropolitan, Wallingford and Reading Regattas with both the development and senior squads.
This year was the 21st anniversary of Henley Women's Regatta, held over the first 1500m of the famous Henley Royal Regatta course and in the opposite direction to the Henley Boat Races; upstream from Temple Island to Remenham Club. However, the athlete's boat race experience was clearly and advantage and after six rounds of racing it was evident that the last nine months of training allowed Oxford to outperform many more experienced crews. OUWBC President Claire Galloway, a member of the winning four commented, "There were some tough races over three days of competition, but all the the Oxford rowers stepped up to the challenge to give some great performances".
After a close race against University of London Women in the semi-final, the senior four, composed of four OUWBC Blues plus former junior international Emily Piggott, beat a Nottingham and Molesey composite crew to win the Frank Harry Cup in a time of 6:14. New OUWBC chief coach Andy Green said of the final, "It was very tense, with never more than half a length separating the two crews, but Oxford proved more resilient in the strong headwind".
The Intermediate Eights event, sponsored by Price Waterhouse Coopers, is one of the largest events in the regatta. After several rounds of racing, Osiris beat Furnivall Sculling Club in the final by 1 1/4 lengths in a time of 5:45. The crew was composed of a mixture of openweight and lightweight rowers and was coached by OUWLRC coach Alex Cavell. "They have a great team spirit and thoroughly deserved to win," he said afterwards. The openweight elite coxed four also put in a strong performance, losing to the eventual winners, Furnivall, in the semi-finals.
On Friday 27th June OUWBC's elite and senior fours will combine into an eight to attempt to qualify for the Remenham Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. The OUWBC members of the intermediate eight are also attempting Henley qualification as a composite with the lightweight club. Crews will also continue training for the National Championships in July.
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