Wednesday Reviews
Commercial R.C, IRL v. Nottingham R.C
Commercial lined up only a few races after their teammates lost to Thames’ B’ to take on the boys from Nottingham, and it looked as if it would be a more successful race off the start. But as they pushed away from the island and into the thick of the race, Nottingham took an early lead, using the momentum from the quick start (both crews hit 43) and settling into a strong rhythm. This continued into the race, but the crew from Commercial did not back down without a fight and managed to reduce the one-and-a-quarter-length lead to just three-quarters of a length. Nottingham saw this challenge and found an extra gear as they came through the finish.
London R.C v Crefelder R.C GER
London has been hard to ignore today, with multiple strong crews proving that this year, they are ones to watch. This coxed four was no exception, and their confidence against their German competition was commendable. By the time the two crews reached the Fawley marker, London had taken a two-length lead and looked loose and relaxed as the margin increased. Crefelder gave everything they had to close the gap as they passed the enclosures, but it wasn’t enough to catch up to the impressive London crew. They finished steadily and controlled, hinting at the power in this boat as they move into the next stages.
Marlow R.C v Sydney R.C AUS
One of the last races of the day reminded me that there is a very good reason you should stick around in the sun and wait until the last crew has passed through the finish line before leaving the course. Marlow and Sydney performed excellently, with the lead changing halfway down the course. Sydney had the strongest start, powering out of the blocks and away from the island with a half-length lead. They increased this to three-quarter lengths, but Marlow stayed in complete control. Executing a perfect race plan, rowing long and strong through the middle section of the race, which, as many of us know, is often the most challenging part, to take back the lead. They crossed the line a length and a half up, on the Aussie competitors, and with a final roar from the crowds, they clinched the win.
Thursday Previews
Royal Chester R.C v Thames R.C ‘A’
One of the favourites coming into this event, Thames A crew, are proving once again that not only do they have an excellent depth in their squad (see the fact that they have two crews on this second day of racing), but also they have the capabilities to win. I am interested in seeing how much of a battle Royal Chester can bring to Thames. They also had a very strong performance today, showing the spectators and their competitors that they have enough experience and technical ability to challenge anyone down this course. While I think Thames will prevail, I hope Royal Chester can make it a close race.
Nottingham R.C v Molesey B.C
While Nottingham showed what they were made of against tougher competition in the form of Commercial R.C, Molesey got to cruise across the finish line at a cool rate 22. However, we saw a some of the power in this Molesey crew at the start of the race, when they smashed rate 47 and exploded out of the blocks and away from the Island, before taking control of their race. I believe that Molesey have the upper hand coming into this match up, but based on the performance of Nottingham I think they will have to work harder to make it look like a comfortable win.
Marlow R.C v Agecroft R.C
Based on the performance of Marlow today, I think that they move into the next round in a really strong position against this Agecroft crew. Agecroft had a convincing win against Furnival, but did not have to fight the way down the course as Marlow did. Will this mean that Marlow is more tired coming into this race, or do they have the tenacity to show us the skills so clearly displayed in their race against Sydney? While Agecroft certainly have speed, I think Marlow will cross the line first and advance into the next round.
