Thursday Reviews
Royal Chester R.C v Thames R.C ‘A’
At the start of another glorious day of sunshine, two formidable crews, including the favourites to win, Thames R.C ‘A’, and the returning finalists of 2024, Royal Chester R.C lined up for a repeat of the 2024 final of The Britannia Challenge Cup, with Thames keen to rub salt into the wound of Chester’s 2024 defeat. An explosive start from Thames took them into an immediate lead off the start. Chester’s knowledge of the course, fielding an identical crew to last year, proved advantageous as Thames were warned for steering, causing them to correct and potentially drop some speed. This didn’t stop the Thames crew, who maintained a length and a quarter lead by the barrier. Through Fawley, Chester began to creep up on Thames, overrating them by two, holding them off the Thames’ stern. They managed to dig deep for a last push coming into the enclosures, with an aggressive move, but the Thames crew skillfully deflected this. Ultimately, Chester couldn’t close the gap. Thames crossed the line a length ahead, reminding Chester of the sting of last year’s defeat. Thames advances to the next round and sets them up nicely for their next match-up against Molesey, a chief competitor.
Nottingham R.C. v Molesey B.C.
In the second heat of The Britannia Challenge Cup of the day, Molesey went toe to toe with Nottingham to decide who would face off against Thames in Saturday’s semifinal. Molesey, the main threat to Thames for victory, burst out of the gates explosively. Their reincarnated crew post-Metropolitan Regatta, clearly using their wealth of experience to push hard to try and gain an early lead. Doubts began to appear, however, as to whether Molesey had over-exerted themselves early on. They were slower to settle into their stride than the crew from Nottingham, and allowed Nottingham to take a lead of a canvas at the Barrier. Molesey’s dominance soon became clear as they surged past the Nottingham crew, underrating them to take a canvas lead at Fawley. Nottingham wasn’t so soon to be dismissed with excellent synchronicity and rhythm, allowing them to cruise adjacent to the Marlow crew, with the promise of being the first Nottingham R.C crew to win a crew event in over a decade, driving them to push through the pain. Ultimately, the strength of the Molesey crew prevailed, allowing them to draw out their lead over Nottingham, knocking up the rate to win by a length. They secure what will hopefully be a fiery battle with Thames on Saturday.
London R.C v Thames R.C ‘B’
Both fours in this heat of The Britannia Challenge Cup showcased an excellent level of technical skill as they stormed down the course. Off the start, London recovered well from a few rocky strokes to take a slight lead over Thames, clocking in with a half-length lead at the quarter-mile marker and a larger length and a half lead at the barrier. From there, the two crews played cat and mouse down the course, despite Thames’ slightly lower rating of 34 compared to London’s consistent 36. The distance between the crews wavered frequently. It went from a length and a quarter at Remenham farm, to a length and a half at the Fawley marker, and even down to one length at Remenham club, thanks to a solid push from Thames. However, throughout this tug-of-war, London always remained out in front. Coming through the finish line, London confirmed their passage to the next stage of the regatta as they finished one length ahead of Thames.
Marlow R.C v Agecroft R.C
This was the final race, in what turned out to be a good day of racing in The Britannia Challenge Cup and Marlow and Agecroft lined up to battle it down the iconic course in the evening sun. Straight away, it looked to be an even match, with both crews going stroke for stroke in the opening moments of the race. Off the island, there was barely anything between them as they brought the rates down and the power up into the rhythm section of the race. However, it was Marlow who made the first move, driving on to get to a three-quarter length lead by the Barrier marker. Both crews maintained a strong rhythm, but through the middle section of the race, the Marlow crew had the edge. By the time they reached the enclosures, the Marlow crew looked in control, although not able to bring the rate down by too much. In the end, Marlow were the superior crew, and crossed the line first.
Saturday Preview
Molesey B.C v Thames R.C ‘A’
Two formidable crews, set to butt heads for a chance at the final of this category. Thames R.C ‘A’ and Molesey B.C both laid down momentous performances in their most recent heats, with Thames shaking off 2024 finalists Royal Chester R.C, and Molesey walking through a crew from Nottingham R.C to secure their spots in the semifinals. Both crews have demonstrated explosive energy and pressure out of the gates, so they should be fairly well matched off the start, and I believe that it’ll come down to the crew with the composure and strength to nudge the bow out in front during the middle 1000m of the course. However, I wouldn’t discount a well-placed sprint from either crew to outpace the other at the last minute. Both the returning champions, Thames, and key competitors Molesey will be keen to prove their dominance and march into the finals with heads held high. However, feeding off Thames’ three consecutive wins, and merciless approach during their heats, I think it would be safe to say that they’ll cross the line with their bow out in front.
London R.C v Marlow R.C
Neither of these crews had a straightforward heat today. London was pushed by Thames, and finished with a length lead, and Marlow battled all the way down by Agecroft. Both boats will have lots to reflect on coming into this race, and tired legs to rest after a few days of racing. Both crews have excellent reputations and high expectations coming into this race. Marlow has a stacked crew containing the likes of U19 World Rowing Championships representative Jerry Anderson, and they have had a strong season so far. But then so has London, coming sixth at the Metropolitan Regatta, and with the club having a very good run of results in general. This should be a fantastic match-up, and I think London will be nipping at the heels of the Marlow crew all the way down the course. It will be a close one, but I think Marlow will have the edge and take the win to snatch the place in the final round.
