❄️ The Ice Breaks - Coldwater 2025/26 Begins! ❄️
Updated 20:00 - 29th November 2025
The wait is over. The first blades have cut through frozen northern waters, and the 2025/26 Winter Rowing League has officially begun!
Today at Rutherford Head on the River Tyne, crews braved the bitter cold to stake their early claim on this season's Coldwater crowns. And what a statement opening round it was - with last year's Sword champions Newcastle University dethroned by their fierce Durham rivals in one of the most thrilling starts to a season we could have hoped for.
🏆 Durham University Seize Early Crown
In a stunning reversal of last year's fortunes, Durham University have stormed to the top of the overall standings with a commanding 320 points - just two points ahead of defending Sword champions Newcastle University on 318 points.
This is a remarkable turnaround from 2024, when Newcastle dominated Rutherford Head and built an early lead they would never relinquish. Today, Durham showed why winter rowing is never predictable, with balanced strength across both categories:
- Open: 183 points (6 crews in top 50)
- Women: 137 points (3 crews in top 50)
The battle was fierce from first stroke to last, with Durham's crews demonstrating the depth and quality that has made them perennial contenders. Their three top-five finishes in the Open category set the tone, while consistent performances across their women's boats sealed the deal.
Top 5 in the Sword race: 1. Durham University - 320 points 2. Newcastle University - 318 points (Defending champions) 3. Edinburgh University - 182 points 4. Leeds Rowing Club - 164 points 5. Agecroft Rowing Club - 133 points
Edinburgh University, sitting third, will be pleased with their balanced performance (86 open, 96 women), while Leeds Rowing Club made a strong statement with impressive women's results contributing 119 of their 164 total points.
📊 Surprising Performances
Several clubs made eye-catching debuts in this year's league:
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Abingdon School Boat Club traveled north from Oxfordshire to claim 6th place overall with a pure Open performance (116 points, no women's crews) - the highest-placed Thames Valley club at this early stage!
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St. Andrew Boat Club demonstrated specialized excellence, scoring all 67 of their points from women's crews to sit 13th overall - a masterclass in focused strength.
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Agecroft Rowing Club from Manchester balanced their attack beautifully (94 open, 39 women) to take 5th place, showing that northern clubs beyond the obvious university powers are ready to fight.
💬 From the Coldwater Elders
"What a way to begin!" exclaimed the mysterious Coldwater Elders from their frost-covered chambers. "A mere two points separate the top two - this is the kind of drama we live for! Durham have fired the first salvo, but Newcastle know better than anyone that Rutherford is just the beginning. Nine more events remain before the finales, and in Coldwater, nothing is certain until the last blade leaves the water."
"To the southern clubs who haven't yet entered the fray - consider this your warning. The North is ready, and they've brought the cold with them."
🔜 What's Next?
Tomorrow brings Wallingford 4s and 8s Head on the Thames, where southern clubs will have their first chance to respond. Will we see Thames Valley powerhouses stake their claim on the Chalice of Unity? Or will traveling northern crews continue their dominance on foreign waters?
One thing is certain: after today's electrifying opener, the 2025/26 Coldwater season promises to be the most competitive yet.
The current leaderboard can be found on our League Table page.
Winter has begun. The ice has been broken. Let the games continue.
Follow us on Instagram for live updates throughout the season, and check back here for analysis after each qualifying event!