Saturday Reviews
D.S.R Laga, NED v Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
Both crews launched into the race with power, but by the end of the Island, Brookes had begun to edge ahead, asserting early control over Laga. By Remenham, the British crew had commanded the course, opening up clear water by the half-mile mark. Though Laga fought tenaciously to the finish, Brookes never looked under threat, cruising to yet another composed victory. They now return to a familiar place: the stakeboats, ready for their next shot at Temple glory.
A.S.R. Nereus ‘A’, Ned v Harvard University ‘A’
Battling into a headwind, the lightweight Harvard crew initially struggled to match the raw power of the heavyweight Dutch rowers. But once the Crimson found their rhythm, they surged through the half-mile mark, breaking Nereus and seizing control of the race. By Remenham, Harvard had carved out clear water, extinguishing any hopes of a Henley Sunday for the Dutch.
Tensions flared at the finish line when Nereus lodged a protest, accusing Harvard of swearing at them during the race. However, Umpire Matthew Pinsent dismissed the complaint, ruling that the conduct had no bearing on the result – Harvard, he said, had simply “beat them with speed.”
Final Preview
Harvard University ‘A’ v Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
No crew has come close to challenging the dominance of the Brookes programme in the Temple Challenge Cup for years. But on Sunday, all eyes will be on the water to see if that narrative is about to change. Last year, these two crews clashed in the semifinals, where Brookes decisively overcame Harvard. With seven of those Brookes athletes returning, the stage is set for a rematch and a chance to rewrite the story.
Both crews have been exceptional on their home circuits this season. Brookes remains the fastest university men’s eight in the UK, reinforced by their continued success in the Championship Eights at BUCS Regatta. Meanwhile, Harvard’s crew has been virtually untouchable, with their only loss in the past two years coming at last year’s Henley Royal Regatta semifinal.
This year’s final promises to be a thrilling showdown. In their respective semifinals, Brookes posted a quicker time to the Barrier, with the Harvard lightweights hindered by a stiff headwind. Yet, both crews recorded identical splits to Fawley, suggesting that Harvard’s race pace could pose a serious threat to Brookes’ long-standing supremacy in this event.
