Undisputedly best college VIII on the Wear

The last 12 months have seen great successes for the boat club, with victories being achieved by all squads, and everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. The novice squads have had successes in the annual ‘Novice Cup’ and have improved consistently. The senior women overtook many crews in the Women’s Head of the River race at Tideway and participated in both BUSA and Women’s Henley, whilst achieving memorable wins at Durham and Hexham Regattas.

The senior men began slowly, initially being placed around 3^rd of the colleges in the early head races of the year. The summer was a very different story however; a particular highlight was beating Durham University 2^nd VIII to claim a silver medal at BUSA (a feat unmatched last year by any College team regardless of sport throughout the entire University) and by the end of the summer were undisputedly the best College VIII on the Wear.

After winning Durham Regatta, which combined with the senior women’s victories ensured that SCSBC were awarded the victor ludorum for the prestigious event, they headed south to Reading Sprint Regatta and the Henley Qualifiers. Here the success ended, as the increased competition of southern schools and foreign universities stifled the chances of SCSBC repeating the feat of 2006 and qualifying for Henley.

Will Wilson, Captain of Boats (2008 – 2009)