Last weekend CULRC’s scullers took to the tideway to compete amongst 454 crews at the Four’s Head of the River 2011. Entered in the ‘Elite Lightweight Quad’ category, the crew of Liam Downes, Piran Tedbury, Rupert Price and James Wedlake went off 8th amongst some of the best scullers in the country including a few members of the GB Rowing Team likely to be representing the country in the Olympics next year.
The Imperial College crew starting 9th gave the CUL scullers a very small gap off the staggered start putting pressure on the crew early. A big focus push at the bandstand saw a lead start to stretch out though and they soon moved a few lengths clear, aided by some dubious Imperial steering. The crew hit into their sweetest rhythm coming around the bend under Hammersmith Bridge before finishing with a push through the line.
The results emerged a few hours after the finish of racing: 30th overall of 454 crews entered. This is a huge result for the club, being the highest CULRC have placed at the Four’s Head in several years. This also bodes well for the season ahead having been the 7th fastest University Crew (5th University Quad).
Special thanks goes to Crabtree Boat Club for providing the crew with a location to boat from and changing facilities.
The Quad will race again at the Winter Head next weekend (19th November) along with the rest of the 2011/12 CULRC triallists in various combinations.