UCD noses put out of joint by Portora juniors

ROWING:COMPETITIVE SPORT thrives when the little guy can put the big guy's nose out of joint, and there were some prime shocks on offer at Queen's Regatta at Castlewellan on Saturday.

UCD’s senior women were beaten into second place in the eights final by Portora juniors, and St Michael’s men’s senior eight did not even make the A Final, losing out in timed heats to junior crews from Bann and Portora. A Commercial veteran eight, rowing as senior, also had to settle for a B final place.

The second in the Grand League series at lovely Castlewellan was, in short, another great success. The host club, like Skibbereen, before them, put on a good show in fine conditions. But they kept the biggest prize in-house.

Queen’s men’s senior eights filled the first two places in the eights final, setting themselves up nicely for the British University Championships next weekend.

Coach Mark Fangen-Hall was particularly pleased with his second senior eight, which will compete at intermediate level at Nottingham.

He said the Grand League was “great”, and could lift the standard of the sport here. However, a busy season, in which Henley and the National Championships will be highlights, means Metro regatta may be the only other Grand League event graced by his crews.

“We can’t do everything,” he said.