Smashing action in women's race
Boat clashes, harsh words, waving arms and rowers hit by opposition oars sparked the women's Great Race into action before it even began.The Bryan Gould Cup race had to be started three times as the two crews, Waikato and Melbourne, fought for the east side of the Waikato River and crashed into each other on numerous occasions.
The first time the race started, Melbourne got off to a flyer, but when they led by half a boat length, they tried to cut in front of the Waikato crew, only to bang oars, and each other.
The crews were even after the second start, but crashed again. When the race finally started proper, already a couple of hundred metres down the course, it was the Waikato crew who grabbed the lead.
From that point on, Waikato dominated what was left of the race, seemingly extending their lead with every stroke and looking the smoother of the two crews as they did it.
While the supporters, many decked out in Waikato rugby tops and cowbells, were obviously barracking for the home crew, the friendly atmosphere from all supporters showed Waikato's sporting class, cheering both crews on.
Not content with winning, as the crews moved closer to the finish - past the parties on sunny balconies, kids on bikes and oldies in their favourite possies - Waikato pulled away, eventually winning by 45 seconds.