Wednesday Reviews
Riverfront Recapture, USA v Newcastle University
Having safely navigated qualifiers, USA crew Riverfront Recapture came up against a strong Newcastle University crew. Despite a mixed season of results so far, with strong performances at BUCS followed by a more disappointing Metropolitan Regatta, Newcastle University appears to have come to Henley with big intentions. Close off the start, Newcastle University settled into a strong rhythm and were three seconds off the record to Fawley. However, Riverfront Recapture kept them honest the whole way down the course, keeping the pressure on throughout. As both crews came past Stewards, the gap was less than a length, but despite a big push, Newcastle University had done enough.
Oxford Brookes University v San Diego, USA
This was an absolute corker of a race. Oxford Brookes, who’ve shown such dominance across the regatta, but particularly in this event in recent years, came up against it in the form of a formidable San Diego crew. Both crews blasted off the start and remained bowball to bowball for the full course length, never more than a few feet between the two. Coming up to Stewards, it looked like Oxford Brookes might hop on the travelator, but San Diego, whose rate never dropped below 37, held firm. A photo finish ruled in favour of San Diego by a mere two feet. The mighty Oxford Brookes were slain in what many will surely consider to be the race of the day.
University of Bristol v Univ. Michigan, USA
The University of Michigan has done well to qualify for the main event, but it came up against a red-hot University of Bristol crew. A UK club on the up and keen to cement their place among the top tier of university clubs, they sprinted out to a four-length lead by the Fawley before settling into a comfortable rhythm to progress down the course. With a comfortable lead secured, the University of Bristol cruised to the finish line, securing the win with a three-length margin.
Thursday Previews
Newcastle University v San Diego, USA
How much did today’s epic take out of the San Diego crew? They’ll surely be on a high after today’s win over Brookes, but they were raced harder than they perhaps would have liked this early on in the week. They’ll have to step up if they want to beat Newcastle, but I’d anticipate another close race.
Harvard University v London R.C
As expected, London and Harvard dominated their Wednesday races against Oxford University and Radley College, respectively. Both former victors in this event (London most recently in 2021, Harvard in 2019), a betting man would expect London, who have been so dominant this season with wins at BUCS and Metropolitan Regatta, to prevail. However, Harvard won’t want to waste the trip, and I’d hope for them to push London all the way.
Triton v Edinburgh University
Triton breezed through their first round versus London B on Wednesday, but will now face an experienced Edinburgh crew who are on the up. Having last won this event in 2016, Edinburgh will be keen to keep progressing through the rounds after a strong performance against another Dutch drew Vidar, today.
