UCD Gannon Cup crew row to victory against DUBC, 19th March 2012
UCD redeemed what was shaping up to be a dismal weekend of sport. The weekend started on a high note as UCD novice 2nd VIII overcame a crab off the start, a dodgy seat, which rendered the bowman useless for 200m and of course the opposing Trinity crew to start the weekend off with a win for Collidge. Then Ireland lost to England in Twickenham and to South Korea in Belfield for Olympic hockey qualification, and suddenly the sheen had been taken off to the weekend.
On Monday morning, UCD were determined to put things right. After a shaky start for the novice women, who lost in a close race to their counterparts, UCD novice men dealt the first of three fatal blows. An outstanding start from the Blue and Saffron on the north station put them into a lead after the first 20 strokes. From there it was an exercise in extending that lead. By the Four Courts that lead had grown to 6 lengths. Crossing the finish line 37 seconds ahead of their rivals this was an outstanding race by a very promising crew.
The senior 8 from UCDLBC struck next to keep the Corcoran Cup in Belfield. The main event saw a developing Trinity 8 face a UCD 8 with plenty of changes after their excellent season in 2011. Going for the 5 in a row, UCD were seen to be the favorites going into the race. Leaving the stake boats at O’Connell bridge, the script looked like it may go out the window with DUBC taking a lead. However, the UCD boat reeled them in by the Four Courts and, showing experience and strength, overcame the challenge to win by a length. 3-1 to UCD on the day, 5 Gannon Cups in a row and a promising set of developing athletes in the club leaves UCDBC in rude health.
Gannon Cup Crew:
S, Vincent Manning; 7, Gearoid Duane; 6, Turlough Hughes; 5, Finbar Manning; 4, David Neale; 3, Conor Walsh; 2, Coilin Bairead; B, Simon Craven; Cox, Hannah Fenlon
Dan Quinn Shield Crew:
S, Conor Reid; 7, Darren O’Neill; 6, Jonathan Barnwell; 5, Brendan Crosse; 4, Nick Di Mascio; 3, John Crowe; 2, Chris Newman; B, Paddy Cole; Cox, Lee Mulvahill