Friday Reviews
Oxford Brookes University ‘A’ v A.S.R Nereus
Both crews powered off the start; however, Brookes took command of the race early and were led by a few feet to the end of the Island. The fluid and efficient style, typical of Dutch crews, contrasted with the powerful drive phase in the Brookes boat, which proved much more effective today. Brookes established clear water through Fawley and was able to wind down the rate to progress to the semifinals by a two-and-a-quarter-length margin.
Newcastle University ‘A’ v Oxford University ‘A’
Known for their gutsy racing, the Newcastle women charged off the start, rating 48. They pulled away from the dark Blues by a canvas at the end of the Island. Their powerful rhythm allowed them to continue commanding the race, and by Fawley, the Blue Star were ahead by a length and a quarter. Although Newcastle had established clear water, it was not quite comfortable enough to wind down significantly. As expected, they maintained that margin and Newcastle progressed to the semifinals by a length and a quarter.
Princeton University, USA v Durham University ‘A’
Durham had a feisty start, charging off the blocks to take an early lead of half a length by the end of the island. The Princeton Tigers could not muster the power to pounce at the women in palatinate and clear water was established by the Barrier. Durham extended this lead to progress to the semifinals very confidently by a margin of three and a half lengths.
D.S.R. Laga, Ned v Rutgers University ‘A’
Rutgers accelerated off the start and left Laga behind. Unfortunately, the Dutch crew could not threaten the power within the Rutgers women’s crew. With their eyes firmly on lifting The Island Challenge Cup on Sunday, the Scarlet Knights will be pleased to have taken command early on and keep their legs fresh for the weekend.
Saturday Previews
Oxford Brookes University v Newcastle University
Eager to retain The Island Challenge Cup for a third year in a row and prove that the disruptions their programme faced this year are not the beginning of the end of their era of dominance, Brookes have come to Henley Royal Regatta with a point to prove. Newcastle’s hopes of claiming red boxes were dashed by the Brookes women in the final of last year’s race – with six of that same crew returning this year, they will not want to relive the experience of Brookes dashing their Henley Royal Regatta dreams.
On Thursday, Brookes claimed a comfortable win against Nereus. However, Oxford made Newcastle earn their ticket to the semifinals and could never let their foot off the gas. Brookes will have the advantage of much fresher legs over the women from Newcastle.
Although you can never write off Brookes, I would place this Newcastle crew as firm favourites to win the semifinal. Knowing they have the speed to beat Brookes and the determination to continue breaking their winning streak should mean that the Blue Star are confidently heading to the stakeouts.
Durham University v Rutgers University ‘A’
From fifth place in championship eights at BUCS Regatta to making the semifinal of the Island, Durham have performed excellently to reach this stage of the Regatta. In their next battle down the Henley Royal Regatta track, they will meet the American powerhouses, Rutgers University. Both crews have had relatively comfortable campaigns until this stage, and it will be exciting to see them meet at the start line on Saturday.
With equal times to the barrier on Thursday, Durham may be the first crew to challenge the Americans thus far. Although Durham will lay everything on the line with the potential of making the final, Rutgers have demonstrated the boat speed to decimate the Henley Royal Regatta hopes for the top British crews this year and will claim victory over Durham.
