Saturday Reviews
Newcastle University ‘A’ v Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
In a thrilling rematch of last year’s final, Newcastle and Brookes delivered a race worthy of their fierce rivalry. Both crews launched off the start at blistering pace, fully aware that the margin for error would be razor-thin. Newcastle edged ahead by a canvas early on and held that slender lead through the Island and into Remenham, rowing with relentless aggression.
Brookes, never a crew to fade quietly, surged with a powerful move that briefly flipped the script. A tactical tug-of-war followed, both desperate for a place in Sunday’s final. Roared on by the crowd through the enclosures, the lead changed hands more than once. Ultimately, Newcastle found the extra gear, rewriting last year’s heartbreak and keeping their red box dream alive.
Durham University ‘A’ v Rutgers University ‘A’
Rutgers have been the revelation of the Regatta. The Scarlet Knights have stunned the field, and today was no exception. Durham, one of the UK’s top university crews, threw everything at them, but Rutgers’ raw power proved too much.
Durham remained in contention through the early stages and was still within striking distance at Fawley. From there, though, the Americans shifted gears, establishing clear water and never looking back. They crossed the line a length and a half ahead, booking their place in Sunday’s final and cementing their status as the crew to watch.
Sunday Preview
With six members of last year’s runner-up crew returning, the women of the Blue Star are determined to go one better and bring the trophy home to Newcastle University Boat Club. This crew is shaped by experience and driven by redemption, ready to lay it all on the line to pursue Henley Royal Regatta glory.
The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers have embraced the Henley Royal Regatta duelling format with confidence and composure, though, dispatching each opponent with clinical precision. They won’t be easily rattled and won’t give up their shot at the title without a fight.
On Friday, these crews had equal times to the barrier, and Newcastle clocked one second faster in their semifinal race. Rutgers has yet to be seriously challenged during their Henley Royal Regatta campaign, but the timings suggest Newcastle will be happy to fulfil that role on Sunday. This is one gutsy Newcastle crew, so I will be backing them for tomorrow’s win.
