Rugby / News
Rowing, rugby and rah-rah skirts
Undergraduates will be on water this weekend when rowers from UWE and the University of Bristol compete in the highlight of the universities’ annual varsity series.
From 11am on Saturday, March 21, the Floating Harbour will stage eight races on a 1,300m course from opposite the Pump House pub to the Lloyds Ampitheatre.
UWE will be looking to retain the Varsity Challenge Cup and Blade in a tussle first staged in 1995.
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The final race, between the universities’ senior men’s first teams is due to start at 1.20pm with prize-giving for all races in outside the M Shed from 2pm.
Thrilling spectacles are guaranteed irrespective of viewpoint, with those in the know recommending a place outside the Olive Shed restaurant offering a clear line of sight from the ss Great Britain to the finish line. Music, refreshments and commentary will add to the sense of occasion.
Competition is sure to be fierce, with the majority of both crews having competed at Henley Royal Regatta.
Across town, canoe polo will be staged in the UBU Richmond Building Swimming Pool while cheerleaders from both universities will cross pompoms at the ICC National Championships in Nottingham.
Windsurfers will be hoping for a lively breeze on Sunday when battle takes place on Bowmoor Lake near Lechlade.
The action moves to the Memorial Stadium on Monday, March 23 with doors opening at 5.30pm for a women’s match (likely to feature UWE’s Becky Hughes, who represented Great Britain at the World University Championships in Brazil last year, and England Under-20 player Rosie Kells) kicking-off at 6pm with the men’s match at 7.45pm. Adult tickets are £5 in advance or £7 on the door with a ‘community ticket’ admitting one adult and two children for £5.
At time of going to press, UWE lead the University of Bristol 4:1, with wins in American football, pole (fitness,) golf and riding against a sole defeat in the Harbourside 10k.
However, Varsity Day will see 26 sports staged at 11 venues across Bristol, and with each eligible for one point, either university could yet triumph. Last year was the first time in the series’ history that UWE won overall.
All events are open to the public, so all are invited to reaffirm an old allegiance or decide upon a new one and support a series supporting Bristol charity 1625 Independent People.
For more information, visit www.uwesu.org/varsity/