Rowers from Newcastle and Durham Universities are preparing for their annual battle for supremacy on the River Tyne this weekend in the 12th University Boat Race.
Confidence in both camps is high following outstanding performances by rowers from both boat clubs at the recent national British Universities Sports Association championship in Glasgow.
Durham and Newcastle took first and second places respectiv
ely against competitors from 40 UK universities, including some of the strongest squads in the country.
Newcastle's senior men's eight will be out to avenge their defeat by Durham in Glasgow, where Durham were six seconds faster over the 2km course.
The outcome of Sunday's race will have added significance for Newcastle's senior men's captain Fred Gill, 22, who so far has never been on the losing side in the University Boat Race.
Fred said: "I love rowing against Durham, especially in the University Boat Race.
"There is definitely a 'David versus Goliath' feel to the event, with Newcastle's smaller, hungrier squad pitched against the might of Durham's much larger club.
"The pressure is all on Durham to win comfortably, but we'll be going all out to ensure that will not be the case."
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