Thursday Reviews
St Edward’s School v A.L.S.R.V Asopos de Vliet, NED
The Temple Challenge Cup racing kicked off today with St Edward’s against Asopos de Vliet, and what a race it was. Asopos de Vliet powered off the start, but St Edward’s matched them right from the beginning. St Edward’s had opened up a one-third of a length advantage at the Barrier, and looked determined never to let it slip. At the mile, it looked like Asopos de Vliet may be coming back, but St Edward’s demonstrated impressive grit and determination. Although never more than a length between the two crews, ultimately it was St Edward’s who held, celebrating like they’d won the whole event upon crossing the line. To their huge credit, they are now the first schoolboy crew since Kent School, USA, in 2009 to reach the Friday of The Temple Challenge Cup.
G.S.R Aegir, NED v Harvard University ‘A’
It was another aggressive start for the second Dutch-American duel of the day. Despite Aegir inching out to a quarter-length lead by the quarter mile, the crew from Harvard held their nerve and responded. Coming into the Barrier marker, the crews were level, neither willing to give an inch. Both crews maintained the same rate until Fawley; however, Harvard’s smooth rhythm saw them take a one-length lead. Ultimately, Harvard continued their Henley pilgrimage for another day, taking a confident win by one and a quarter lengths.
University of Virginia, USA v Newcastle University
This was an excellent matchup between the Blue Star and the Virginia Cavaliers. After a feisty start, the crews were level at the end of the island. Virginia inched ahead by a canvas at the quarter mile, taking that all-important early lead and laying down a marker that Newcastle had to match. Down the course, Newcastle and Virginia played a game of cat and mouse; however, the will of the Virginians not to waste their trip across the pond meant that they ultimately took the win by three-quarters of a length.
Friday Previews
St Edwards School v A.S.R. Nereus ‘A’
Regardless of the race’s outcome, as the first schoolboy crew to make Henley Friday since 2009, this is an excellent achievement for Teddies. Up against a strong senior university crew, the Oxford schoolboys will come into Friday’s race as underdogs. Although this may be intimidating, I expect Teddies to take this in their stride and embrace the opportunity to give Nereus a run for their money. Ultimately, I think the experience of the Dutch students will allow them to progress to the semifinals.
Harvard University ‘A’ v University of Virginia
Both Harvard and Virginia will come to Henley Friday undefeated in their respective racing leagues, which puts even more on the line than just winning the race. In this all-American showdown, Virginia will know that Harvard has had faster times during their Thursday races. However, both of these crews will be eager to make the most of their trip across the pond and will empty their tanks in an attempt to make a Henley semifinal.
Cambridge University v D.S.R. Laga
With very similar times to the barrier, this race between Cambridge and D.S.R. Laga appears to be one to watch. The Dutch crew had an easier race today, potentially meaning fresher legs tomorrow. However, as long as the light blues are on top form, their strength and expertise in match racing would place them as favourites to win this race.
