Sport Archives - Page 10 of 22

Aberdeen Students Keen To Compete In Boat Race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 102014

Three Aberdeen students studying at Robert Gordon University are hoping to make the cut and compete in the 19th Annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford Cambridge boat race, in March. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen students Christie Duff (19), Iona Riley (21) and Lewis McCue (18) are all eager to be a part of the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race.

The event will see the University of Aberdeen go head to head with the Robert Gordon University on Saturday 1st March.

Despite having career ambitions outside of sport, the three hopefuls would all love to take their rowing careers to the next level having attended the World Championships and even trialled for the Great British rowing team in 2013.

Christie, who studies Architecture, says:

“2013 was a fantastic year for me. Being able to witness such significant UK rowing events will stay with me for many years to come.

“I first started rowing in secondary school after spending my youth doing gymnastics and trampolining. These sports gave me a solid foundation and understanding that strict, controlled training often secures great results.

“My proudest achievement in rowing so far is winning at the Henley Royal Regatta, and I would love to be selected to compete in the 2014 Boat Race team.”

Applied Sport and Exercise Science student Iona also began with another sport, in her case netball, before turning her hand to rowing.

A Silver Medal winner at the World Under 23 Rowing Championships, she says:

“When I was in Primary 7 my teacher took the class down to the river to try rowing. I was hooked from there and have been on the water ever since.

“To encourage other young enthusiasts, I coach at every available opportunity. It can be difficult to balance studying with coaching but it’s just so rewarding that I can’t give it up.”

For Sports Science student Lewis, there is a history of rowing in his family. He says:

“My grandfather rowed for Oxford in the Boat Race, so it would be fantastic to carry on the family tradition and represent Robert Gordon University in the Aberdeen Boat Race. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep university work and rowing both up to scratch, but it’s all about learning that balancing act.”

The final crews will be selected in early 2014 by each team president – Robert Gordon University Boat Club’s (RGUBC) Gillian Paterson and Aberdeen University Boat Club’s (AUBC) Lauren Cammaert – who will look at performance, ability and determination of potential team members when making their decisions.

To prepare for the March race, both clubs have already undergone months of gruelling training, including 6a.m. starts on the river.

Each of the 16 rowers will take just under 300 strokes in the course of the 3.5km race and, along with the crew coxes, will push their physical and mental endurance to the limit. The race stretches along the River Dee in Aberdeen, from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club and in 2013 (RGUBC) won the race against (AUBC) by two and a half lengths in a time of 8 minutes and 18 seconds.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

“The University boat club presidents have a difficult job ahead of them, with a number of talented individuals in both clubs vying to compete in what is Scotland’s oldest and possibly most fiercely competitive boat race.

“Aberdeen Asset Management continues to show its dedication to fostering young talent, and we hope that the 2014 Boat Race will inspire more future athletes to take up rowing.”

You can follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or on Twitter at @2014BoatRace.

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The Only Recipe For A Great British Row Off

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Jan 022014

A dollop of determination
A spoon full of courage
A bucket load of The Dee
… And one red velvet cupcake.

The only recipe for a Great British Row Off. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

(L-R) Lauren Cammaert and RGUBC president, Gillian Paterson

Bellowing orders at her cowering crew as they power down the River Dee, Lauren Cammaert isn’t your average 5ft 3 cox; as behind the façade of ruthless competitor, the Aberdeen Universities’ Boat Club president swaps her one-piece for her pinny at every available opportunity.

And she’s not alone.

It would appear that for this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, Lauren has an army of keen bakers behind her, all inspired by the nations on-screen fascination; The Great British Bake Off (GBBO).

This new generation of university students spend their evenings adding their own touches to the latest Delia Smith recipe, baking artisan bread and designing wedding cakes. And this pastime isn’t gender specific, even 6ft 3 Alexander Hutchinson takes pride in his homemade bread.

It’s just as well they all have such a stringent exercise regime, and youth on their side.

However, 23 year old Lauren went one step further than other adoring GBBO fans and applied to be a part of the 2013 Great British Bake Off. Diligently, she pulled her application together, consisting of 12 original recipes and a 35 question-long interrogation form. After submitting, she awaited a response eagerly.

Weeks came, and passed, and the realisation that she was not successful became reality.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, as it took me weeks to put my application together, but I was not going to be disheartened. I can dedicate my baking skills to other causes- like bribing my crew out of their warm beds at 6am on very cold mornings!” says Lauren.

The Canadian born competitor first discovered her passion for cooking during the winter months of her childhood. Inspired by her mother and sister, Lauren followed suit and baked her way through the chilly festive months. She explains how it all began,

“Where we stayed in Canada, the winter months were perilous and there were often days that we were barricaded inside by snow. To relieve our boredom, my mom taught my older sister and I to bake. I was instantly fascinated and spent the rest of my junior years with sticky fingers, covered in flour and icing sugar.

“My baking was pretty mediocre to start, but, like anything, it improved with time. I like adding my own little twists onto recipes just to see what happens. Sometimes it’s disastrous but that’s part of the fun.

“My signature bake is a batch of red velvet cupcakes where I take elements from Nigella Lawson’s recipe and add my own cream cheese icing recipe. When I’m not too busy, I take orders for wedding cakes which have definitely proven to be my biggest, but most rewarding, challenge yet.”

For 2014, Lauren will be swapping spatula for oar in the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Saturday March 1st. Lauren moved to Aberdeen when she was eight years old and started at Robert Gordon’s College. From there, she progressed to Aberdeen University to study medicine where she hopes to graduate as a doctor next year.

She describes her early rowing career,

“I started off rowing for a couple of years, inspired by the stellar reputation of Aberdeen University Boat Club, but decided that my petite frame was better suited to coxing. My mom rowed during high school, my dad at college in Cambridge so it definitely runs in the family … and my boyfriend also coaches.

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race is a fantastic student event but don’t be fooled, the competitive atmosphere is so electric it could pass for a professional competition. I am always touched by how many local supporters turn up on the day to cheer us on. Hopefully this year will achieve results that Aberdeen University can really scream about.”

Although she was involved in last year’s race, Lauren views her recent presidency as a chance to step up to the plate and bring Aberdeen University to victory once more. She jokes:-

“If I have to bribe them all with fresh red velvet cupcakes to train all winter then that’s what I’ll do!”

Lauren had hoped to re-apply for the 2014 GBBO but the filming falls at the same time as the race, and there is no competition as to which she is determined to see through. Her last year at university will hopefully one filled with delicious cakes and rowing triumphs.

Keep an eye out as Lauren on 1st March 2014 as swaps her pinny for one-piece, spatula for oar and coxes her crew to victory for Aberdeen University.

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Universities’ Boat Race and show your true colours at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and at https://twitter.com/2014BoatRace.

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Aberdeen V Ross County – Pittodrie Stadium 29.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 302013

What’s the logic in scoring from a free kick yet not a penalty, ponders Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Weather wise it was a clear sky, if not a bit on the chilly side. The Reds were relentless in the opening minutes of the game and were duly rewarded.

Nicky Low and his teammates elected to cause maximum confusion with a set piece straight from the training ground.

He curled the ball beautifully past the opposing keeper, much in manner Niall McGinn has scored recently.

1-0 (Low) after only two minutes!

The Dons onslaught continued, with a successful penalty claim seemingly only minutes after.

The crowd’s reaction wasn’t too different from the cheer you’d get when a goal had been scored. In fact, and sorry to criticise, they seemed to take for granted that they were already now two goals ahead.

Scott Vernon lumbered up for the spot kick, and to be honest I felt my cynicism rise and my hope fade. I hated being proven right in such circumstances as the Staggies keeper parried Vernon’s shot expertly.

73 minutes into the game, with possession metaphorically almost on the other foot, midfielder Ryan Jack left the pitch to be replaced by Barry Robson. Four minutes later, Pawlett came off for Cammy Smith. At the 84 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Scott Vernon.

All in all, Aberdeen enjoyed a hearty proportion of the possession but struggled to turn that into goals. Too often they passed backwards and from side to side, with little incision when pushing forward. Long balls didn’t seem to work very well either.

However, players like Mark Reynolds proved in their absence how much they’re needed in the team. It appeared, also, that boss Derek McInnes was deliberately resting players, like captain Russell Anderson.

Final score: 1-0.

Ready, Set, Row. Date Set For Universities Boat race

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Dec 192013

A date has been confirmed for the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.

Victors of the 2013 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race battle, Robert Gordon University, have challenged AberdeenUniversity to race for the 19th time on Saturday 1st March 2014. Competing for victory, the rival Universities’ will meet on the River Dee at 13.45 for the much anticipated annual sporting event.

Aberdeen University Boat Club (AUBC) president, Lauren Cammaert has accepted the challenge from Robert Gordon University Boat Club (RGUBC) counterpart, Gillian Paterson. Lauren, 23, is originally from Newfoundland, Canada but moved to Aberdeen when she was just eight years old.

For the past six years she has been studying Medicine at Aberdeen University. Gillian, 21, is from Melrose in the Scottish Border and moved to Aberdeen to study Forensic and Analytical Science at Robert Gordon University.

The north east’s equivalent of the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race will continue into its 19th year thanks to the continued support of global investment group, Aberdeen Asset Management. As part of the 2013 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race, supporters were asked to show their support by dressing in their university colours.

On race day, the banks of the River Dee were lined with supporters dressed in yellow and blue (AU), and purple and black (RGU). Following last year’s colourful success, the ‘Show Your True Colours’ campaign will be continued to encourage as many people as possible to give visual, and vocal, encouragement to both crews.

Lauren comments on the annual battle:

“This may be my first year as president but it’s my third year involved in the Boat Race and I am determined that through hard work, fun and good camaraderie, I can lead my crew, and ultimately Aberdeen University, to victory for the 15th time. For the second year running it would be magical to see the bank lined in yellow and blue.”

Gillian responds by stating that:

“It’s only my second appearance in the Boat Race, but for 2014 I think Robert Gordon University has the upper hand. We’ve already had a two year winning streak and together, I’m certain that we can make it a hat trick. Local support means the world on race day and we hope to see everyone cheering us on at the Boat Club dressed in our purple and black university colours.”

The race takes place over a 3.5km stretch of the River Dee in Aberdeen between the Bridge of Dee and the Aberdeen Boat Club. In 2013, RGUBC won the race by two and a half lengths in a time of 8 minutes, 18 seconds. To prepare for the March race, both crews have already undergone months of gruelling training, including 6am starts on the river.

Each of the 18 rowers and accompanying coxes will take just under 300 strokes to complete the race, pushing their physical and mental endurance to the limit.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen, comments:

“The turnout for the 2013 race was superb, with more supporters ‘showing their true colours’ than ever before. Aberdeen Asset Management is proud to back a major sporting event in the city of Aberdeen that receives such enthusiastic local support. The young, athletic talent showcased each year never fails to surprise me and I’m sure 2014 will be no different. Our continued support of the boat race stems from the company’s roots in the Granite City and now, in its 19th year, it continues to be an extremely popular event.”

Follow the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Universities’ Boat Race and show your true colours at www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace and at https://twitter.com/2014BoatRace.

Aberdeen v St Mirren: Pittodrie Stadium 14.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 162013

It was, at times, a scrappy victory, though a victory nonetheless, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

St Mirren were first off the block with a ball whipped in from the wing, and then turned in to beat Jamie Langfield.

Fortunately for the Dons, this was chalked off for offside.

Not too long afterwards, Scott Vernon came in with a goal, which somewhat begs the question as to why he doesn’t start more often.

20 minutes into the game, keeper Langfield kicked the ball up the park to find Vernon. The ball took an awkward bounce, befuddling the centre-backs and betwixting the keeper. The Englishman managed to control the ball, and then bundle it into the back of the net.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Much of the remainder of the first half saw the Dandies under the cosh. Vital interceptions were made to avoid an equaliser.

Come the second half things changed, but only slightly. Willo Flood came off for Jonny Hayes after 54 minutes.

12 minutes later there was a corner kick opportunity which Barry Robson struck, curling inwards, defying all – and even the keeper. Can’t say I’m convinced it was deliberate, but a goal’s a goal.

2-0 Aberdeen!

Robson was then substituted on the 71 minute mark, replaced by Nicky Low. Aberdeen then made their third and final change after 86 minutes. This was to take off Peter Pawlett, who’d done a power of work, and bring on Joe Shaughnessy.

It’s definitely good that the Reds are grinding out scrappy, and I daresay sometimes flukey results like this.

Final score: 2-0.

Red For Robson Rocks Reds

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Nov 102013

It occurred to me how difficult it must be for managers to keep an entire squad of players happy, even when on the bench, muses Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Save a thought for Scott Vernon, for example. With Calvin Zola at the fore of the Dons’ attack, the former has had to fashion himself as an impact player and super substitute. He’s scored crucial goals in recent weeks, and still finds himself outside of the starting eleven.

This side, however, is Hard To Beat.

I only just realised the irony of why they played Hard Fi’s 2005 hit during the pre-match build up; and not for the first time, either.

The song, of young lust, seemed a perfect perquisite to the wolf whistles accompanying the sight of Hearts’ female physio as she rushed onto the pitch, early on.

Women in the game struggle enough to be viewed equally even as referees, one wonders; so it’s maybe of little surprise that sexist pigs like myself found it rather amusing.

23 minutes into the game, workhorse Willo Flood left the pitch due to injury, to be replaced by Barry Robson. Only three minutes later, Robson whipped in a cross, which connected sweetly with Niall McGinn’s boot.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Not long after, there was a chance for Aberdeen to go two ahead, with a successful appeal for handball in the box. McGinn, though, failed to beat the keeper.

The Dons suffered a massive blow on 55 minutes as Barry Robson was ordered off for a second yellow card by referee Ian Brines.

Zola came off for Vernon at the 58 minute mark. Then came the goal which turned the tide for the Tyncastle side.

1-1 (Jamie Walker). Keeper Jamie Langfield beaten after 66 minutes.

The pain was doubled eight minutes later, with a cut back exposing the Dons’ defence.

1-2 (Callum Paterson).

At the death Langfield then spearheaded an attack, running from his box to support the forwards during a corner kick. He was almost caught on the hop, and had to race back to his own goal.

Think of Peter Schmeichel in that 1999 European Cup Final. Just without the glory.

1-3 (Ryan Stevenson) after 90 minutes. Top corner.

I daresay McGinn scoring that penalty could have altered the outcome of this particular clash. Hearts came to life after the equaliser, and went onto comfortably beat a once rampant Reds side.

Losing Robson early in the second half certainly didn’t help.

Final score: 1-3.

Boo Boys’ Dramatic Trophy Grab

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Sep 192013

Worthy winners of the inaugural AFC Heritage Trust Quiz Night Trophy were 5-man Section Y Boo Boys, whose total recall of significant Dons dates, results, scorers, donkeys, trophy successes and cup humiliations triumphed over stiff competition last Friday at the Menzies Hotel, reports David Innes.

“We started well, but it was obviously the half time stovies that drove us on to a sweet victory,” Boo Boys’ member Andre Watson-Oudabar told Voice, taking time off from the Dunkelweiss-fuelled celebrations in Drummonds.
“We’re fair trickit that we won. Obviously the boys have long held the ambition to be fitba quiz top dogs in town and we now feel that we can literally kick on to even greater glory and that elusive Ayr United Quiz Night trophy will hopefully be ours next February.”

“As I said, the boys have literally been flying in training and Jannie’s been answering the trickiest and most convoluted test questions for fun. And pints.

“There’s been a good feeling in the camp and I think we peaked at the right time. Our skipper Pensive has put his new sharpness down to his cutting out the fags and in light of such dedication I think I speak for all the boys and say that we did it for him.

“We’re hoping to round off this career highlight with a victory parade down Union Street atop a cooncil gritter. Funnily enough there was no question on this vital part of the Dons’ history in the quiz and our diligent Leatherdale-based preparations for questions on The Cappielow Incident were also in vain.”

Twelve teams took part with the Trust’s own team Turnbull’s Relics, close runners-up although they were cruelly depleted by a player loss as the transfer window slammed shut, ten minutes before kick-off.

The award for best team name was won by Ian Black’s Dodgy Betting Slip and the ‘prize’ for finishing last, four cans of supermarket own-brand lager (mmmmm…) was taken by My Wife Can’t Wrestle But You Should See Her Box, who, if they had any taste buds, would have dumped them in the hotel skip as they left.

Thanks are due to all participants who made it such an entertaining night out, to patient quizmaster and auctioneer Dave Macdermid, to Bob Bain for organising the evening, keeping score and deriving a list of incisive and frustrating questions, and to everyone who donated raffle prizes and auction items.

The final reckoning has yet to be tallied but Trust treasurer Bob Bain is confident that the coffers have been replenished to a healthy level after some major outlays recently. With competitive appetites whetted too, the Trust intends to hold this event annually.

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Dons Heritage Trust Fundraiser – Fri 13 September

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Sep 112013

Aberdeen FC Heritage Trust is an independent charitable organisation working closely with the club. It aims to care for and expand the Dons historical record for the benefit of fans, the NE community and the Dons diaspora.

The Trust was founded in 2008 and has since been gathering artefacts and historical data to be preserved for future generations.

A collection of programmes, player shirts, medals and other fascinating memorabilia is growing steadily. In the longer term the Trust will be given the task of laying out, populating and managing a Museum and Learning Centre in the new stadium.

Funding is essential to continue these efforts, and the Trust is hosting a charity fundraising Quiz Night, based on the Dons history, on Friday 13 September.

Arrival time at the Menzies Hotel, Dyce is 1900 for a 1930 start and the entertainment should conclude around midnight.

Entry is £100 per team of 5 members. Anyone wishing to attend but not participate in the quiz will be charged £20.

There will be a raffle and an auction and a buffet will be provided during the interval. We hope that some former players will join us.

Thanks to Allan McKimmie, Chairman, Aberdeen FC Heritage Trust

Dons Heritage Trust Fundraiser

Friday 13 September at 1900.
Menzies Hotel,
Dyce,
Aberdeen.

Motorbike Convention Promises Weekend Thrills

Aberdeenshire, Information, Sport No Responses »

Sep 052013

With thanks to Chris Anderson, Marketing and Events Organiser, Grampian Transport Museum.

The 31st annual Grampian Motorcycle Convention, organised by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club, takes place on Sunday 8 September at Alford’s Grampian Transport Museum, with its usual host of exciting events, displays and entertainment.
Gates open at 1000 and the action starts at 1100.

Admission is £10 for adults, £7 for concessions, £5 for children, and £25 for a family.

Highlights will include supermoto racing, pursuit racing and displays of classic and vintage motorbikes. The ever-popular Moped Mayhem will take place during the day along with a brand new Moto Gymkhana event for 2013.

Star act

This year’s star act is Belgian freestyle trials rider, Fred Crosset.

Hailing from Henri Chapelle in east Belgium, Crosset has been riding bikes most of his life. He has ridden at World Championship level in trials and with no fewer than eleven Belgian trials championship triumphs, two USA trials championship wins and a couple of Belgian Enduro championship titles, there is no doubt that Fred is an exciting off- road rider.

Tired of doing the same old thing, Fred turned his attention to freestyle riding, negotiating his way up and over street obstacles in cities and towns to the amazement of anyone who saw him.

Dealers and trade stands will be onsite offering the latest in motorbikes and accessories.

Museum curator, Mike Ward is looking forward to the event. Mike commented:

“The Grampian Motorcycle Convention is Scotland’s biggest motorcycle event and there is a packed programme of entertainment inside and outside the arena with some fantastic guests including Fred Crosset, who is sure to wow the watching crowds.”

www.grampianmotorcycleconvention.com

NE Orient Express Experience Benefits Young Golfers

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Aug 302013

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

A group of NE business professionals has presented over £3000 to the Paul Lawrie Charitable Foundation to help more youngsters play golf to the best of their ability in a fun-based environment.

Aberdeen based h-events’ Managing Director Harvey Smith explained:

“Paul and his team do a fantastic job of getting kids interested in playing golf through his Charitable Foundation. h-events are fully supportive of their work and it was for that reason that we decided to seek the assistance of our guests who travelled with us on the Orient Express to the Open Championship at Muirfield. I am delighted to present this cheque for £3360 on behalf of all 276 clients whose generosity and support I very much appreciate.”

The innovative method of travel was well received by h-events customers.

“Having booked the Orient Express in the past, I knew it would go down well and we sold out all the seats in less than a week. Travelling in luxury simply enhanced what was always going to be a memorable day and the customer feedback has already indicated that the trip was ‘the best corporate event our company have ever done’. We are certainly planning to repeat the exercise at next year’s Ryder Cup at Gleneagles,” added Smith.

Lawrie, the 1999 Open champion and Ryder Cup star was delighted to accept the donation, and said:

“This is fantastic and really appreciated. The money will go towards the planned expansion of our academy over the coming months and I’m very grateful to Harvey and his guests.”

h-events is now the foremost provider of sporting corporate hospitality in NE Scotland and will be expanding too, celebrating its seventh anniversary by opening a Glasgow office, as Smith outlined:

“Whilst the NE does enjoy its own micro economy and has been almost recession proof, enquiries from the central belt have increased to the extent that it makes sense to have a presence there. The demand for something just a bit different is always present.

“Whilst probably two-thirds of our business is sports-related, we’re organising a St Andrews night ball on the Royal Yacht Britannia, the kind of event that we are looking at outwith the standard corporate hospitality package. We are increasing our market share of conference and events business with top speakers and entertainment never previously seen in the NE.”

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