Tuesday Reviews
Nottingham R.C. vs Shiplake Vikings R.C.
We were spoiled watching this opening Wargrave race from the Press Barge. Punch for punch all the way down, an early lead for Nottingham was met with several surges by the girls of Shiplake Vikings. Given the calibre of these girls individually, including a smattering of red boxes from their junior days, Shiplake Vikings reaffirmed their warrior namesake by overturning Nottingham, but it was by no means a walk in the park. Coming level with Nottingham at the Mile, Shiplike Vikings made one last decisive move that sealed the deal for a third-of-a-length victory.
Worcester R.C. vs Royal Chester R.C.
After a morning of entertaining Wargrave races, we can also add this one to the list. Level by Fawley, rhythm and technique counted more than ever for each crew. Worcester took a few feet from Royal Chester by Remenham Club, but this was met with an emphatic move from Royal Chester, who reclaimed the lead approaching the Mile Post. Holding on all the way through the Enclosures, it was Royal Chester, the heroines of the North West, who claimed victory on the line. They’ll be raring to go again tomorrow.
Vesta R.C. ‘B’ vs. Upper Thames R.C. ‘B’
Evenly matched club rowing is really a pleasure to witness. All the way to the Barrier, only a canvas separated Vesta from Upper Thames in the former’s favour. However, by Fawley, Upper Thames had snatched the lead and, reaching Remenham, the noise would have been apparent for this home crew passing their own boathouse, spurring them on through the pain of holding off their Putney-based counterparts. Two thirds of a length was the largest margin Upper Thames achieved throughout as they fended off Vesta’s relentless counterattack. In the end, Upper Thames brought it home, but credit to Vesta for refusing to go down without a fight.
Wednesday Previews
Tyne A.R.C. vs Molesey B.C. ‘A’
The black and white army of the north face the southerners, but this will be far from a monochromatically boring affair. That said, Molesey ‘A’ are one of the top outfits in contention for this Cup, and I think the Tyne ladies have a tall order on their hands to overturn them. While I have no doubt Tyne will fight to the end, I feel this is Molesey’s to lose.
Shiplake Vikings R.C. vs Mercantile R.C., AUS
Can Shiplake Vikings one-up their performance from today’s impressive victory over Nottingham? Based on today, and against a Mercantile crew made up of several U23 athletes, I think we’ll have a great contest on our hands. The Mercantile ladies will have come over with plans to make it at least to Friday, and they will have fresher legs as the result of a bye. However, after watching Shiplake earlier, I don’t think it will be a walkover. Ultimately, Mercantile will probably come out on top, but not without having to grind through the gears.
Upper Thames R.C. ‘B’ vs Molesey B.C. ‘B’
It’s another battle of the Bs involving Upper Thames tomorrow, with the ladies in navy hoping to repeat today’s success. Standing in their way is a Molesey crew that made the semi final of the Ron Needs Cup for Championship Eights at Henley Women’s Regatta, seeded into the Wargrave as a result. As such, I’d say Molesey has the upper hand here, but Upper Thames may have something else in the locker like they did today – watch this space.
