Henley send off for York rowers

York from earlier in the season

The squad was subsequently struck down by severe illness, failed to make the start of Metropolitan regatta, and last week were knocked out of Marlow regatta in the first round, despite recording the eighth fastest time of the thirty four boats racing in their category.

But the crew must put this behind them as they race at Henley, the creme de la creme of all rowing events this Friday.

"Nothing else matters now but Henley" says captain Finnbar Bevan. Qualification for finals at Henley has proved an elusive goal for the Rowing club ever since its inception. York have made the cut only three times, most recently in 1999 and 2006. Only one member of the 2006 crew -Will Harrison- remains at York in his final year, but that crew retains legendary status among the rowing club. It is that same status that this year's crew of nine seek to achieve.

"A season such as we've had doesn't bode well" according to Jack Savage. However, the 2006 crew that qualified had an equally disastrous season, crashing at Head of the River Race in March, and - in an uncanny coincidence- also failing to make the start of Metropolitan regatta as this year's crew did. A qualification for the finals on Friday would certainly prove to be a strange twist of fate.

For third years such as Olly Ward, this may be their last chance to make a name for themselves, "I can't see myself rowing like this once I start working." All this hype may be hard for others to understand, but, Bevan assures us, "there is nothing in the world like racing at Henley." Each year sees a barrage of top class international and olympic athletes- Britain's olympic coxed four, and Munich gold medal winner Alan Campbell are among the performers this year.

"York is not a big university, nor does it invest extensively in sport", comments President Hugh Pryce "but this only makes the prospect of qualifying as rank outsiders that much more appealing."

This year's crew are taking inspiration from that thought, and Henley winner Helena Smallman-Smyth's words to the successful 2006 crew:

"What are your objectives? First, to row your very best. Second, to qualify. The best close races are never a symphony in luxurious rhythm, but a massive struggle every stroke to fight the demons that will tell you that you can't carry on doing that. Don't believe them. You can."

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.