June 28, 2006

California's freshman eight defeated Southampton University by four-and-a-half links in the opening round of the Temple Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta Wednesday.

The Bears will next race Oxford Brooks University "B" in the second round on Thursday.

The Temple Challenge Cup for eights is open to crews from universities, colleges or schools and consists of five rounds of match races to determine a champion. Trinity College of Hartford, Conn, captured the title last year.

The Bears reached the quarterfinals of the Temple Challenge Cup in 2005 before falling to Trinity. Oxford Brooks, Cal's opponent on Thursday, advanced to last year's semifinals where it also lost to Trinity.

Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars.

Visit www.hrr.co.uk for complete results from the Henley Regatta.