Following a fantastic narrow win against Harvard University, UCD Boat Club have reached the final of the Henley Regatta for the first time since 1974

Yesterday, the UCD Boat Club Senior IV+ qualified for the Semi final of the Prince Albert Cup for students at Henley Royal Regatta. Henley is the premier Club rowing event in the world in which UCD's only victory to date came back in 1974. Almost 40 crews entered the event this year which was reduced to a 16 crew field. Some crews are given automatic entry by virtue of their record as was the case with the UCD boat. The rest of the entrants compete to fill the remaining places in the draw. UCD had raced in the UK earlier this season enjoying success and notably swapping victories with Oxford Brookes University. 'Brookes' were one of the four 'selected' or seeded crews in this year's Prince Albert along with Princeton and Harvard Universities from the US as well as Goldie Boat Club (Cambridge.). UCD had an expected win over Oxford Brookes 'B' in the first round then faced Goldie in the quarter finals yesterday. The strong UCD crew executed their coach Pat McDonagh's raceplan perfectly and came from behind to beat the much-fancied Cambridge crew. Tomorrow (Sat), the crew of Tom Doyle, Finbarr Manning, Colm Pierse, Dave Neale and cox Jennie Lynch face Harvard University in the semi-final at 1010. Harvard are the only seeded crew left in the draw but UCD have a great chance of progressing to Sunday's final. Results can be seen on www.hrr.co.uk .

This morning the UCD Mens Senior Coxed IV defeated Harvard University in the Semi-final of the Prince Albert Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. Harvard was the last seeded crew in the event and is a powerhouse of world student rowing. The College crew lead from the start but had to repel a strong charge from Harvard around halfway. Harvard stayed close to UCD but the College crew were too good and held off the US boat for the victory by 2/3rds of a length. This mornings race was UCD's first appearance in a Henley semi final since 1992 and tomorrow's race will see UCD in the final for the first time since our only Henley victory in 1974. UCD are now favourites to win the event.

Full details available on www.hrr.co.uk. Finals timetable will be available from around 1930 tonight,