DMU wins first Leicester Boat Race crown

De Montfort University were thrilled to win the third Boat Race at Leicester Regatta on Sunday, ending Leicester University’s unbeaten record in the Mixed Eights event.

A fine start saw DMU surge to an immediate lead, which they refused to surrender over the 700m course. The Leicester University crew fought valiantly, but it was DMU who were first over the line to claim the bragging rights in the hotly-contested race.

‘This is a real boost for all our members,’ said Demi Johnson, President of the DMU Rowing Club. ‘We were so determined to make this our year, and the extra training and support from British Rowing has really paid off.’ Medals to the winning crew were presented by the Lord Mayor, Abdul Osman. The race was also watched by Peter Lewis, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council and his wife, who thoroughly enjoyed their first visit to the regatta.

‘We are so disappointed’ said Mark Jeacock from Leicester University Boat Club. ‘There’s no doubt the weather has been a problem in our training schedule but, at the end of the day, DMU rowed a better race. This isn’t the end of us, and we will come back fighting in the race next year.’

Proving that racing eights at regattas is not just a sport for youngsters, Leicester RC then turned out a Master D Men’s Eight for a late afternoon contest with Nottingham RC. The average age for each crew was in the 50’s, and the competing rowers were just as determined to win as any junior. Experiences ranged from a few months to many, many years for this thoroughly enjoyable battle of blades. Nottingham won the challenge, but immediately threw down the gauntlet for a rematch in 2014 which Leicester enthusiastically accepted.

‘We have seen all ages out racing on the water today’ said Rob Fox, Leicester RC’s Club Captain. ‘Leicester is the first regatta in the region, and we have had some really close battles which augers well for some exciting racing over the rest of the summer.’

Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor, was seen in the crowds watching the late races. ‘I couldn’t miss the Regatta’ he said. ‘‘It’s great for the city to have such a high quality sporting event on the riverside, and marvellous to see so many people on the towpath enjoying the spectacle.’

For a full list of results from the 2013 Leicester Regatta, visit www.leicester-rowing.co.uk.

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