Ourc Mens 8 Finish 2nd In China
Aug. 9, 2010
The Otago University Mens 8 have finished 2nd at an international university regatta in Xinjin, Sichuan Province, China. OURC finished 2nd with a time of 5:48 in a tight race just losing to the impressive crew from Tsinghua University (China). Pavia University (Italy) finished in 3rd with South China, University of London and Princeton University finishing 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.
Tsinghua were able to pull out to an early lead with the rest of the field bowball to bowball at the 400m mark. A huge move from Otago at 400m saw them pull through the other boats and cut down the lead of the Tsinghua boat. From then it was a two horse race for the win with Otago and Tsinghua exchanging blows all the way home extending their lead over the rest of the field. With 700m to go Otago pulled level and the crews battled bowball to bowball for the next 500m with Tsinghua able to edge out in the last 200m with a better wind and narrowly take the win amdist the roar of the massive chinese crowd.
The OURC boat was named 'GUNG HO' for the final as a token of respect after the restaurant of the same name owned by kiwis Jade Gray and John O'Loghlen who previously showed tremendous hospitality and generosity to the team by providing some delicious pizzas (More on Gung Ho pizza at www.gunghopizza.com).
Overall a positive result for the OURC crew. OURC is very greatful to the Chinese organising committee for putting on such a great event and extending the invitation to us.
View in other format
text
