Thursday Reviews
Tyne A.R.C. v Sydney R.C., AUS
Having made the semi final in 2023, Tyne came into today’s contest with something to prove, and this was a true battle of wills. For Sydney, who come into this as a young crew with already reputable CVs on the international stage, they burst out of the start, perhaps also with revenge on their mind for their eight’s loss yesterday. Sydney remained controlled throughout, fending off several surges from Tyne in the process, maintaining their lead of three quarters of a length by the Fawley to the finish. The boys from down under will be grateful for a rest day tomorrow, before their face-off against the clearly formidable Thames ‘B’ on Saturday.
Molesey B.C. v Thames R.C. ‘B’
Thames ‘B’ are back at it again. While Molesey shot out of the blocks and were level with Thames by the End of the Island, their hopes of reaching the semi final soon dwindled, as Thames took three quarters of a length by the Barrier. This was maintained to the Fawley, before edging out further to a length and a quarter by the closing strokes. Taking nothing away from Molesey, though, this was a sterling effort; they just couldn’t find enough in the tank to match the pace of Sander Smulders’ men from Putney.
London R.C. ‘A’ v St. Andrew B.C.
This was a comfortable day at the office for London ‘A’ who, for many, are predicted to win the whole thing. While St Andrew put up a good fight off the start, London sealed the deal by the Barrier, and remained a relaxed four lengths out front. They will be satisfied to have cruised over the line today, not least because they face the mighty Thames In Saturday’s semi.
Thames R.C. ‘A’ v C.A. Vichy, FRA
It’s unfortunate that these two were on the same side of the draw, but I don’t think we expected this to be as much of a walkover for Thames as it was. Vichy’s lead held out until the quarter mile, but from there, it was the Brits who rowed through and just kept going. Thames had no need for anything magical, they just produced a commanding four-length win that earned their rightful semi-final place against London ‘A’ on Saturday.
Saturday Previews
Sydney R.C., AUS v Thames R.C. ‘B’
A Thames ‘B’ crew and the last remaining Sydney crew line up for a semi final, and my word, is it going to be good. Based on all the runs out for these crews so far this week, I genuinely don’t know how Saturday’s showdown will turn out. Maybe, we’ll see Thames’ combined experience (15 appearances between them) of racing the Henley stretch pay dividends, but given that Sydney posted a 6:50 time in today’s heat – seven seconds quicker than Thames – they might have the edge.
London R.C. ‘A’ v Thames R.C. ‘A’
With just two seconds separating these two titans of the Tideway at the Marlow Regatta when they last met in battle, we’re in for a cracker of a semi final. Yearning to repeat his 2023 Wyfold win, I have no doubt that Marshall, now joined by Xu, Clarke and Edmundson, will storm down the track. However, standing in their way of a place in Sunday’s coveted final is a truly exceptional Thames outfit, made up of Wood, Stobbs, Prior, and Betteley, with a monumental 18 Henley appearances between them. I think this will go right down to the wire, and I’ll take a punt by backing Thames.
