Extreme weather could bring heartache to the University of Gloucestershire (UOG) rowing team as they seek their maiden win in Varsity.
Last year the event was cancelled after Worcester failed to book out their stretch of the river Severn, Bevere Lock, and ended up forfeiting the point to UOG.
The fixture, which has been dubbed Varsity’s edition of the Boat Race, is taking place tomorrow on Gloucester Canal at 13:30. Unlike their opponent’s blunder last year, it is actually bad weather that could see them having to call off the event.
Big crowds are set to head down to the new Gloucester Boat House to watch the men’s and women’s quads, doubles and mixed double fight it out.
One of the crews to watch on the day will be the mixed double for UOG, as the university’s own sports officer Alex Burnett is taking part alongside Jade Colton.
Head coach for UOG, Matt Philips said: “We hope for the best with the weather. If we do get thunderstorms then there is the risk that it could be cancelled.
“There is a good atmosphere in the team and they have been training well for the event.
“The crews to watch for me are the mixed double and the women’s double. The women’s quad are a fierce crew so look out for them too.”
The women’s quad are also a very talented crew. Last weekend they took part in the Head of the Dart and came 33rd out of 150 plus crews in the gruelling 15km race. They were the third women’s crew to cross the finish line at Totnes, so come into the Varsity race well prepared.
Tickets to watch tomorrow’s Boat Race are free, so head on down to support the teams.
UOG Crews:
Men’s Double: Daniel Watt and Daniel Wiggins
Women’s Double: Alicia Gulliver and Zoe Williamson (Club Captain)
Men’s Four: Dan Watt, Daniel Gillett, Harry Thurkettle and Dan Wiggins
Women’s Four: Oonagh McNair (Vice Captain), Zoe Williamson (CC), Jade Colton and Alicia Gulliver (Women’s Captain)
Mixed Double: Alex Burnett and Jade Colton
