The Exeter boys crew team opened its United Kingdom racing tour on Saturday by competing in the 171st Marlow Regatta at Dorney Lake, one of the premier events on the British rowing calendar.

Held on the same course that hosted rowing competitions during the London 2012 Olympic Games, Marlow Regatta annually attracts many of the top clubs and university programs from across the United Kingdom, along with international crews using the event as a final tune-up before the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.

Competing against a strong international field, Big Red delivered an impressive opening performance, finishing second in the Final E race after a thrilling sprint to the finish. Exeter crossed the line in 6:08.76, just 0.76 seconds behind the winning crew and only 0.10 seconds ahead of the third-place finisher in a tightly contested photo finish.

The Exeter boat was comprised of Bill O'Connor (bow), Oscar Anderson, Ben Lewis, Ethan Cathey, Matthew Minor, Peter Roper, Edward Garschina, Patrick Boyle (stern), with Osbert Chang serving as coxswain.

The result provides a strong start to Exeter's international racing schedule as the team continues its preparations for one of the sport's most celebrated events. Big Red will return to competition on Saturday, June 27, at the historic Reading Town Regatta on the River Thames before opening racing at the Henley Royal Regatta, held June 30 through July 5.