Tuesday Reviews
Royal Chester R.C. vs Northwich R.C.
With less than 0.4s separating these two crews at Marlow Regatta, this was a hotly anticipated contest. However, it was less of a corker than we were expecting, as last year’s finalists, Royal Chester, had to suffer the fate of a Tuesday elimination, sending away their hopes of replicating their predecessors in the process. Holding a three-quarter length lead at the Barrier, and then the Mile, this was extended to a length by the Enclosures, and some last-minute steering hiccups from Royal Chester solidified Northwich’s triumph. They face Molesey next.
Gloucester R.C. vs Vesta R.C.
Two clubs with an ever-increasing presence at Henley Royal Regatta, a seeded Vesta faced Gloucester, who qualified on Friday. It was Vesta that expectedly asserted dominance from the off. Gloucester tried to stay in touch, but ultimately slipped away as Vesta affirmed their lead by the Barrier. Vesta’s lead extended to three lengths by the Mile, and they looked comfortable in their stride. Vesta will be grateful to have saved some of their energy, though, as they will meet Australian hopefuls, Sydney, tomorrow.
Upper Thames R.C. vs Tideway Scullers’ School
This was the excitement we had been waiting for, and the home advantage once again played into Upper Thames’ hands. However, the contest hit boiling point as Scullers kicked on and reduced Upper Thames’ initial one-length lead to level out. Bowball to bowball from the Progress Boards to the Finish, Upper Thames just about held on and conquered Scullers by two feet. That said, Upper Thames may be wishing that they had an easier run, for they face Thames ‘A’ tomorrow.
Wednesday Previews
Commercial R.C., IRL vs Thames R.C. ‘B’
The pick for the win in this entire event by our very own Fergus Mainland, Commercial looked tidy today. However, it would be foolish to write off Thames, who dispatched Armed Forces ‘B’ today without a second thought. That said, we know that Commercial are gunning to paint the town green. Coming off the back of overturning Thames at Metropolitan Regatta, I have a feeling that Commercial will claim victory here, and edge one step closer to a first Irish win in the Wyfold.
C.A. Vichy, FRA vs Minerva Bath R.C.
French national champions Vichy will be looking to build on their dominant performance today as they face Minerva Bath who, admittedly, didn’t look as comfortable as their French counterparts, despite a two-length winning margin. Vichy will fancy their chances to make the weekend, but I have no doubt that Minerva Bath will throw everything (including the kitchen sink) at them to halt their campaign. Nevertheless, allez les Bleus.
St Andrew B.C. vs London R.C. ‘B’
After a convincing ‘easily’ victory today, St Andrew will have plenty left in the tank to face London tomorrow. However, they will be staring down the barrel of a challenge, as London looked unsurprisingly strong, albeit in a slightly closer-matched race against Agecroft today. Overall, I imagine London will still take the win, but I may eat my words if St Andrew perform as they did today.
