Molesey B.C v Thames R.C ‘A’
Thames Rowing Club will be many people’s favourite for this event, and they showed why in their semifinal today. They blasted out the blocks, taking half a length out of Molsey by the end of the Island, and at the Barrier they led by three-quarters of a length. As is so often the case, getting up on the start proved crucial; the momentous remained firmly with Thames, who had established a two-length lead at the three-quarter mile point. Their dominance never lapsed, and they continued to extend their lead down the course, crossing the line to win by over four lengths. A big statement of intent for tomorrow’s final, I expect the Thames boys will be feeling confident of retaining their Britannia Challenge Cup title come tomorrow.
Marlow R.C v London R.C
Coming into the regatta, Marlow had been triumphant at their home regatta, putting nearly three seconds into their opposition today. But London R.C have appeared steady and determined throughout the week – if not dominant, then always in control. From the first few strokes, London looked strong, settling into a punchy rhythm. But they were matched stroke for stroke by Marlow, neither crew prepared to give an inch, and they remained level to the Barrier. There was no big move or dramatic shift, but, slowly, London began to move clear. The precision of the bladework into a stiff headwind saw them move to half a length up at Fawley, before breaking clear at Remenham. That gear shift proved enough, as despite their best efforts, Marlow was unable to find another level. As both crews came past the Stewards’ Enclosure, it was clear London would be moving on to Sunday, crossing the finish line a length and three-quarters up on Marlow.
Final Preview
Thames R.C ‘A’ v London R.C
Putney neighbours Thames R.C and London R.C have been training side by side on the same stretch of river all year, and once again find themselves next to each other this time on the Henley final start line. It’s difficult to see past Thames R.C who are looking to make it four in a row for this event. It wasn’t a drama-free season – their lineup was changed following the Metropolitan Regatta, where Thames’ A’ were fourth behind a Thames’ B’ crew. However, they’d found their form coming into Henley with a particularly impressive win at Marlow Regatta. There, they beat London by over five seconds, a significant margin for London to overturn in their final weeks of training. However, looking at their semifinal performances today, they look pretty closely matched, with neither crew seriously pushed to reach the final. Can London find their form to dethrone their local rivals? If you’re a betting man, the safe money is with Thames, but London won’t make it easy for them.
