Saturday Reviews
Marlow R.C v Maidenhead R.C
As the sun began to appear above the course, a rocketing start from Maidenhead saw them poke their bows ahead by the end of the Island, claiming a valuable canvas lead. Looking clean and strong into the wind, the early lead did not seem surprising over the less-settled Marlow crew, but as they both started to settle, the cardinal red blades began to creep back towards Maidenhead. By the quarter-mile mark, the race was Marlow’s. Gaining the lead seemed to give the girls the second gear they were missing off the start, and they began to walk away every single stroke. The reason why they were the favourites for this semi became crystal clear as they drew out to and settled at a three-length lead, leaving Maidenhead struggling with the wash behind. Marlow flew over the line four lengths up, claiming their spot in the final for the second year running.
Tideway Scullers School v Wycliffe College
With many agreeing this was the final a day early, all eyes turned to Wycliffe and Tideway as they lined up to start. An aggressive start from Wycliffe rewarded them with a canvas lead over Tideway scullers as they left the Island, a strong start to an important race. Drawing out on this lead and expanding it by stroke, Wycliffe had claimed a length by the Barrier and quickly claimed clear water over TSS by Remenham Farm. Preparing for the inevitable challenge that was to come, Wycliffe kept drawing out into the distance, maximising on their rapid first section of the course. By the time they were two lengths clear, the challenge was just about incoming, TSS shortened up, drawing through to half slide and becoming sharper with every stroke. Spurred on by Wycliffe’s repeated steering warnings, Tideway’s short and snappy rhythm was maintained to the end, even if it wasn’t enough overall. Despite the appeal, Wycliffe’s two and a half length lead sees them through to finals day for a repeat of last year.
Final Preview
Marlow R.C v Wycliffe College
Returning finalist Marlow will want to finish their season strong and overturn the silver curse they seem stuck in. After a blistering time trial at the National Schools’ Regatta, Marlow lost out to Wycliffe in the final by just two seconds. On the other hand, defending champions Wycliffe raced a dominant display all through the weekend at Henley Women’s Regatta, combined with a strong season under their belt- on paper, they come into this final as the favourite. Looking at both crews’ performances today, Wycliffe remained calm and composed throughout their racing, perhaps giving them the edge over Marlow, even considering that the latter had a decidedly easier race. My bet will go to Wycliffe for the victory, but you can best believe it will be hard fought.
