Press Releases

University Boat Club enjoys another winning weekend – University of Reading

Release Date : 24 November 2009

The recent weather couldn't dampen the spirits of the University of Reading Rowing Club (RUBC) who have had another weekend to remember. Outstanding performances ensured magnificent results in the British Indoor Rowing Championships and the Kingston Small Boats Head of the River Race.
Held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, the British Indoor Rowing Championships attracts the very best rowers from around the country. RUBC returned home with an amazing eight medals, winning four gold and four bronze. This tally made Reading by far the most successful university competing at the event and confirmed its reputation as an institution that not only attracts talented rowers, but has the facilities and expertise to produce world-class athletes.
Wins from Sam Townsend and John Preston in the heavyweight and lightweight division respectively, as well as Ally Brooks' first place in the lightweight women's event, were just some of the fantastic results achieved by the Club.  Dave Smith also won gold with in the adaptive (paralympic) boat class, another terrific performance.
RUBC also had over 20 crews competing in the Kingston Small Boats Head of the River Race in London. Despite the gusty conditions RUBC stayed on their winning course to record a series of stunning results, coming first in six races. Special mentions go to the men's senior quad who were the fastest crew at the whole event and also the women's intermediate 3 coxed 4 boat, the fastest ladies coxed 4 crew of the day.
RUBC Director of Rowing Will Rand said: "This weekend has been a truly memorable one for the Club. All the squads have worked extremely hard and these results are testament to their efforts. The Club is continuing to grow in stature and as always extremely grateful to the University for its generous support. Everyone involved with RUBC should be very proud of the results and we look forward to more success throughout the season."
Next up for RUBC are the GB trials in Boston, Lincolnshire just before Christmas. This gives the top performers at RUBC the chance to either make their way into, or confirm their position in the GB team heading towards the London 2012 Olympics.
For more information about RUBC, contact Will Rand, the Director of Rowing at the University of Reading on 07989 972 594 or email w.rand@reading.ac.ukmailto:w.rand@reading.ac.uk">w.rand@reading.ac.uk>
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For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.ukmailto:j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk">j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk>