Liverpool 8: The Day of Reckoning

Date: 26 June 2006

While Henley Royal Regatta seals the annual fate of the locals to a Lilliputian existence, the day of reckoning has arrived for the Liverpool 8.

At the end of last year, the fledgling rowers had never held an oar or even thought of competing against the great and the good at the world's most famous rowing event. Fast forward six months and the Liverpool 8 are lined up, full of hope and expectation, ready to fend off the oars of experience.

Unfortunately, the other competitors had not read the script and failed to realise that this story should have a fairytale ending. The Liverpool 8 gave it their all, and it proved to be a courageous effort but not a winning one.

Official times were not available for the qualifiers but unofficial 'stewards' recorded the Liverpool hopefuls finishing just 3.5 seconds behind the winning boat.

"It is only in hindsight that you realise just how amazing these guys have been," commented Sir Steve, who has been guiding the team through the ups and downs of their training. "To progress from zero rowing experience to coming within just a few seconds of qualifying for Henley Royal Regatta is a great achievement. I am sure, when the initial disappointment passes, every one of the team will feel proud of their accomplishments. I am extremely proud of them and hope that their experience will stand them in good stead for the future."

Jacqueline Alexander

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