Saturday Reviews
Thames R.C ‘A’ v Molesey B.C
Molesey put in a dominant display from the very start. Molesey held a two-foot lead as both eights left the Island, looking the stronger crew from the first stroke. Extending this lead at every marker: by the Barrier it was quarter of a length, by quarter mile it was third of a length, and by Fawley they had drawn out to a three-quarter length lead, the race looked wrapped up. However, Thames decided the race was not over yet. They came back strong, powering down every stroke, and tried to reclaim the lead, inch by inch. By the Mile Post, the gap had been reduced to a quarter of a length, and it looked like Molesey’s hard work would be undone- the race was not done yet. Molesey took it up two pips, and two pips was all needed to restake their claim to the lead- by the Enclosures, it had extended back to the three-quarter lengths they held before. A dominant finish from Molesey saw them knock out the category favourites to claim a well-earned spot in tomorrow’s final.
London R.C v Leander
In the day’s final race, locals Leander faced off with London in The Wargrave Challenge Cup semifinal. It was a flying start from both crews, rating 44 saw the eights going bowball for bowball alongside the Island. The bow of Leander emerged first, half a length up on London as they maximised the distance per stroke. Sitting up on their half-length, the crews were matched stroke for stroke as they pushed towards the barrier. Making the first move, Leander maximised their home advantage to eek out a length and a half, in a time only one second faster than the barrier record. From here, it was Leander’s race to lose as the lead continued to expand by every marker, expecting a challenge that never came. Settling over the line, Leander came home one and a half lengths ahead, claiming their ticket to the final tomorrow.
Final Preview
Leander v Molesey B.C
With times just a second apart today, the final tomorrow will surely be fiery, close racing. Molesey came into the finals after overthrowing the event’s favourites, making them the favourites by default. This, combined with their strong race and rhythm today, puts Molesey in a top position moving into the finals day. Alongside them was Leander, who had an absolutely dominant race today, proving their claim to the final and the right to defend their home waters. Looking ahead, I believe the call will go to Leander, but I don’t count Molesey out yet.
