Proud in defeat as RGU set sights on next year

Robert Gordon University Boat Club president Lizzie Buchan was proud of her crew for running Aberdeen University close in the 25th Aberdeen Standard Investments Boat Race.

The Aberdeen University crew finished the 3.5km race along the River Dee three seconds ahead of RGU.

Buchan said: “It was a very tough race and a lot closer than last year.

“I am proud of my crew. We put in a great performance and gave it everything.

“We know we tried our best, and that is all you can really ask for.

“Aberdeen University put on an impressive performance.

“It is disappointing not to win but we put up a really good fight.”

Buchan felt her team gave a strong account of themselves.

She added: “We were just relying on (cox)

“We tried our best, and that is all you can really ask for”

Sophie Telfer because she could see what was going on.

“She was keeping us calm and keeping us informed with what was happening.

“They say a race is never over until it is over, even if they have clean water.

“When they caught those two crabs we were able to gain back on them.

“It was about trusting Sophie.

“I was pretty exhausted afterwards but running on adrenalin.”

Buchan hopes next year’s race will have a different outcome as RGU look to end Aberdeen University’s dominance.

She said: “We won the novice race for the first time in 25 years. We won the alumni one as well.

“Hopefully next year we can get the clean sweep.”