Isle of Ely Rowing Club has had success in this year’s Cambridge winter league.

The club has won the women’s eights (Club B) category in this year’s Cambridge Winter League, a series of timed races on the Cam.

The club entered men’s, women’s and junior crews in many different boat classes. Club captain Duncan McCulloch said “I was really pleased to see so many crews that have formed over the last year taking part in this event.

“Notably we had a masters eight, with an average age of 63, and several graduates from our 2017 learn to row courses, which raced for the first time, and loved the experience.

“Our 2018 learn to row courses will, no doubt, produce an equally enthusiastic crop of rowers for next year’s event.”

Ely’s winning women’s eight were consistently fastest in their category, and finished the league with an accumulated winning margin of 90 seconds.

The club says the winter league definitely lived up to its name this year, with bitterly cold conditions – particularly for the snowy final races during last weekend’s “mini Beast from the East”.

Club president Derek Pickersgill said he was “full of admiration for all who braved the elements” and that the racing crews did the club proud.