waikato come out on top in river 'dogfight'
Waikato University are top dogs on the river again after winning the Great Race on Saturday and reclaiming the Harry Mahon Trophy.
Waikato put paid to the record of the indoor competition winner always winning the Gallagher Great Race when they romped to the finish line six boat lengths ahead of Washington University.
The big Washington crew had won the indoor competition on Thursday, making them favourites for Saturday's race. But they were no match for the fired-up Waikato crew, including world champion Nathan Twaddle, who took the lead after a couple of clashes of oars as both crews fought to get the favoured eastern bank.
Waikato captain Andrew McCowan, who has rowed in all four Great Races, said it was the most satisfying of his three wins.
"It was just awesome," he said. "Everyone who has won the ergs (indoor rowing machine) has won the race.
"It's the first time someone has come out and won after not winning the ergs so it's a fantastic effort."
McCowan said the blade clashes between the boats were part of river racing as the two crews fought for the prime position.
"Both crews knew what was going to happen. We both wanted the eastern side."
Washington captain Kiel Petersen said it was different to their usual races on lake courses.
"It was a dogfight but we thought it was going to be," Petersen said. "When it came down to it there were a couple of clashes and then we got stuck in the current."
Despite crossing the river a few times, the Washington crew could make little impression on the Waikato lead.
"We did everything we could to get back. We made a couple of huge moves across the river but to no avail.
"Hats off to them."
In an earlier race, the first New Zealand eight to row in this country since the 1978 world championships were held here were no match for a powerful Australian crew.
Despite having world champion single sculler Mahe Drysdale in the boat, the New Zealanders could not haul in Australia.
Drysdale flew out for England on Saturday night and will train on the Thames in London until January.