Durham ARC will host the climax of the 2024 Sunday League season on October 6th by staging the sixth and final event of the popular monthly series aimed primarily at novice and recreational rowers.
This years league, organised by the Northern Rowing Council, would have commenced at Berwick in April had it not been cancelled because of adverse weather conditions. Since then five rounds have gone ahead at Tynemouth, Tyne ARC, Hexham, Tyne United and Talkin Tarn, providing an opportunity for those new to the sport to experience the range of venues at which rowing takes place.
The August round was scheduled to to be hosted by Cambois Rowing Club on the River Wansbeck but work to construct a new pontoon at Cambois meant the round relocating to Tyne United.
Each round so far has attracted 14 entries, though not always the same teams as new entries can join the league at any time. Teams compete in either the Open or Women’s division with a random draw being made before each round. DARC has been represented at each round by DARC Humour in the Open division, and will also have an entry in the Women’s division for the Durham round.
Races are contested by crews rowing side by side in stable coxed quads over a short course of between 200 and 400 meres. Previous years have seen the inclusion of skills rounds and sweep-oar events but all rounds this year have been in sculling splash & dash format.
Sunday League 2024 after 5 rounds
Wansbeck Wanderers from Cambois RC have an almost unassailable lead on 38 points having remained unbeated throughout the season, but Kira Larno-Bayne, Liz Baker, Hannah Lindsay, Gill Giilbert, Paolo Fortis, Colin Lawson and cox Dave Green have kept DARC Humour in touch in 3rd place on 31 points after two wins at Tyne United in August and three at Talkin Tarn in September. Tyney Temper from Tyne ARC have a 3 point lead in the Women’s division on 35 points going into the final round.
Presentation of prizes for the season will take place after the conclusion of racing at Durham, where a BBQ will be available.
Sunday League trophies