Otago rowers excel as Games get underway

by www.universitysport.org.nz on 19 Apr 2006 Saturday, April 15th, 2006:

The University of Otago refused to let go of the trophy that contains the ashes of their former rowing shed at today’s Uni Games rowing regatta in Wanganui.

The Ashes, the trophy for the overall rowing championship, was awarded to Otago for the seventh time since 1998 after their comprehensive win at the Games Rowing Regatta in Wanganui on Saturday 15 April. The regatta was held on the Whanganui River and involved more than 300 students from New Zealand universities all over the country. Canterbury finished second overall, narrowly beating Waikato and Victoria.

New Zealand University Rowing Council President, Glen Sinclair, said the regatta was fantastic and ran smoothly. 'It was absolutely brilliant - it’s been a great day. Otago has done a ton of work but the surprise university was Victoria, which placed third equal with the University of Waikato. They have done really well and have been building themselves up over the last few years.'

Victoria University scored five thirds and seven seconds and also won the Men’s Tournament Eight.

The prestigious Heberley Cup for the Men’s Championship eight was won by Otago but the Tamaki Cup for the Women’s Championship eight was won by the University of Waikato. Kirsty Elder and Nathan Cohen, both from Otago, won the Championship Singles.

Nathan Cohen, who has twice placed second in the World Championship junior single sculls, ran a close race with Waikato rower Simon Lack. 'It was tougher than I thought,' said Cohen. 'It’s a pretty hard river to race on. The competition was good, it was probably the highest standard we have had in the singles for a few years.'

Jim Ellis, Executive Director of University Sport New Zealand, says the regatta has set the Games off to a fine start. 'What a great start to the Games. Wanganui has been a brilliant venue and all the competitors have enjoyed the weather and the river conditions. Well done Otago and now onto Wellington!'

This year, apart from the rowing in Wanganui, the 28 sports will be held at venues around Wellington from 18-21 April.

The event, which has attracted more than 2,000 competitors, is organised by University Sport New Zealand, in partnership with Victoria University, Victoria University Students’ Association, Wellington City Council, Sport Wellington Region and the New Zealand Community Trust.

Source: www.universitysport.org.nz