USA takes the title as Great Britain finishes third at the 2018 SH Netz Cup

USA win the cup for the first time in 12 years, ahead of Germany, Great Britain and the Netherlands

Fresh from the World Rowing Championships, the USA’s men’s eight took the 2018 SH Netz Cup title over the weekend for the first time in 12 years with 2018 world champions Germany second, Great Britain third and the Netherlands in fourth.

On Friday night, athletes took part in a 500m indoor rowing sprint race. Great Britain were up against the USA in the first round, with the average time taken for the crew’s 500m deciding the winner. GB took the win against the USA with an average time of 1:20.5, narrowly ahead of the USA’s 1:20.7.

Germany faced the Netherlands next with the Germans’ average time of 1:20.4 giving them the overall win, which meant that they got the pick of the lanes for Sunday’s 12.75km final.

On Saturday evening, the competition moved to the water where a 400m exhibition sprint race saw the winners of the first two heats meeting in the final. GB outraced the USA in the first heat with Germany taking the win against the Netherlands.

In the final sprint race, and in front of a packed river bank, the British crew took an early advantage over the Germans, but couldn’t hold on as Germany powered through the rough water to win by a canvas.

Sunday’s racing opened with mixed weather conditions as the four crews took to the water in a battle for the title over 12.75km. Great Britain’s Mat Tarrant was subbed out due to medical reasons, with Harry Glenister jumping in the boat.

The British got off to a good start and were tied in a tussle for the lead with the Germans over the first 6km. Germany had the early advantage but Great Britain were able to overhaul them and take three-quarters of a length lead over Germany, which they held for about a kilometre.

Germany kept on pushing hard and managed to get back on terms with Great Britain just after the halfway mark. But shortly after, the USA crew turned on the afterburners and rowed through Great Britain and then Germany to take a clear water win against the home favourites, claiming their first title since 2006.

Sholto Carnegie (Leander Club)
Ollie Cook (Univ. of London BC)
Tom George (Leander Club)
Harry Glenister (Leander Club)*
James Johnston (Leander Club)
George Rossiter (Leander Club)
James Rudkin (Newcastle Univ. BC)
Oliver Wynne-Griffith (Leander Club)
Cox: Henry Fieldman (Leander Club)
Coach: Steve Trapmore

*Matthew Tarrant was subbed due to medical reasons.