NZ University Trans Tasman Regatta in Adelaide
Day 1
The New Zealand University rowing team began it’s competition against Australia at Adelaide’s West Lakes today. The team made up of a men’s and women’s eight were faced with a strong headwind and cold temperatures in the first of three races.
The women’s eight was first to race an Australian crew made up of athletes from Melbourne University, University of Technology Sydney, University of Queensland, Mercantile and Adelaide University. The Australians took an early advantage that the NZ crew was unable to claw back.
In the Men’s race the kiwi eight held an early lead through the 1000m before the Australians fought back to finish half a length ahead. The team will be looking to make up the difference to level the series before the 5000m long distance race at Mannum.
Day 2
The NZ University rowing team had another challenging day at Adelaide's west lakes today. Yesterday's strong head wind had slightly died down for the final 2000m race, before the team compete at Mannum for the final 5000m race on Friday.
Starting first the NZ women's crew put on a much improved race to finish half a length down on the Australians. The kiwis maintained contact with their Aussie counterparts but couldn't quite get their bow in front after a strong start from the Australians.
The men's eights battled it out in another drag race with a similar distance win to the Australians as yesterday. After the disappointment of yesterday's second place the NZ men were looking to square the 3 race series up before the long distance race.
The NZ coaches were pleased with the improvements both crews had made from their first race yesterday. The challenging conditions have been even across the course with a good head wind yesterday and a side wind today.
The series continues on Friday with a 5000m race on the Murray river at Mannum.