There is something so easy about certainty. It keeps us rooted in stance, not letting the wind blow us asunder, nor does it quench the burning fire inside us that compels us to explore the unavoidable. This Saturday, 8 November, out of 149 crews from both north and south of the Irish border, two will go head-to-head along the banks of Enniskillen’s own River Erne. Those crews, UGBC and DULBC, will be hoping this quest features in a successful championship-winning season for their clubs. With some crews having previously competed in other head-of-the-river races in recent weeks or having had an unsuccessful last season, they will be vying to change their narrative, to disregard the past and shift their focus to the impending prospects ahead. For everyone watching this weekend, one thing is certain: this race is going to be an incredible spectacle, and I am certain it’s almost impossible to call a winner.
University of Galway Boat Club
From the chaotic Corrib in the west, UGBC will be vying to add to their club’s haul of success in the north this weekend by adding ‘Coxless Four Winners’ to the mix. Although this may not be the fastest four produced by the admirable university, it is sure to achieve good things. With stroke seat Jennifer Hogan having recently won the women’s eight down in O’Briensbridge at St Michael’s Head of the River, she is going to be leading her crew with a winning mindset, which may be the one thing that separates them from their competitors. Supporting the rhythm and bringing valuable experience into the boat, Annik Frohburg has definitely become a rower to watch over the course of the last season. Although this crew may be stronger from a steering perspective, due to the rushing and rapid river they usually row on, I am unsure if they can catch up to the DULBC crew.
Dublin University Ladies Boat Club
Momentum has been gaining behind this promising crew for quite some time. Last season, we saw the crew mixed up between different boats and categories. However, although they achieved podium finishes in eights and fours, they not only failed to secure a gold medal but also didn’t race as a combination together. Though some may be concerned at this thought, rest assured, as this DULBC four is certainly not short of stellar talent. Jennifer Forde sits in the bow seat, bringing a recent win at the Dublin Sculling Ladder along with an array of second-place finishes from last year’s promising season. We have also seen her, along with fellow crew members Caoimhe Keller and Ginevra Guglielmi, compete in the prestigious three-mile Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston just a few weeks ago. One thing is different, though; they had a coach for that competition. With the River Erne’s signature meandering shape, it will be a challenge for this crew to acclimate themselves to the course, which poses risks when challenged by UG. Considering all factors, it appears that this crew will be able to withstand the challenge from UG as long as composure is maintained in the boat.
Prediction
With only two competitors in a boat category that is so intricate and magnificent to watch, it looks as if other clubs were scared to enter. It is undoubtedly going to be a battle down to the line between these two crews, and though experience can certainly benefit a crew to win a race like Erne Fours, I don’t think that is what the winning crew will have. With equal power in both boats, it appears to me that the winner will likely possess the better technique and mentality. Whichever style the crews decide to row, they will have to react well to the weather conditions and racing circumstances as they come down the course. Furthermore, with only two crews competing, in starting order, DULBC will be sent off before UGBC. This can completely change the outcome, as DULBC will be able to see when the Galway crew decides to make a move on them, yet if UG can push up towards their Dublin counterparts, it will most likely break any momentum DULBC has. With UG being known to hunt down their opponents, DULBC will be under immense pressure to claim the first-place podium position. I think overall, DULBC will take a win just ahead of UGBC. However, it is undoubtedly going to be one of, if not the, most exciting race of the day, no matter the outcome.
