Wednesday Reviews
A. L. S. R. V. Asopos de Vliet, NED vs Nottingham University.
One of many international matchups in the Temple, this was a battle of the midfield from each nation, and provided us a great race. Asopos de Vliet looked better off the start, taking the lead as Nottingham University drifted towards the middle. Asopos de Vliet kept the rate high to stretch out to two lengths through Fawley, but Nottingham University never let off and put in a strong push through Remenham. With Nottingham University sitting in a new, punchier rhythm, the gap between the crews kept falling as Asopos de Vliet appeared to have played all their cards. But the water ran out and Asopos de Vliet held the lead by a length.
University of Virginia, USA v Purdue University, USA
The two ACRA entries into this event, these crews raced earlier in the season with University of Virginia coming on top by a narrow 2.3 seconds, and will have known each other’s tactics inside out. Knowing it would be close, both crews flew off the start, coming out the island at an impressive rate 46. Purdue University looked cleaner but it was University of Virginia that began to move out, eventually settling on to a more relaxed rhythm and continuing to walk away to take the win by 1.5 lengths. 2-0 to Virginia but a gritty race from Purdue University and well-drilled crews from both clubs.
Oxford Brookes Univ. ‘A’ v Coll. of the Holy Cross, USA
What a show. A historic entry by the College of the Holy Cross, and a race that well justifies the investment of an HRR campaign. Dead level off the start, Oxford Brookes only started to pull away through the middle of the race, despite underrating the US crew. I’m sure Oxford Brookes’ reputation is known across the globe and the College of the Holy Cross held nothing back, with a blinding sprint to the line reducing the gap to under a length in a gritty performance. Very noticeable was the low rate and calm composure of the Brookes crew, so time will tell whether this was their true speed or if they have more in the tank for the weekend.
Thursday Previews
St. Edward’s Sch. v A.L.S.R.V. Asopos de Vliet, NED
After an impressive qualification into this student event, St. Edward’s School pulled off a clinical win against fellow schoolboy crew Hampton to reach the Thursday. In a fortunate draw for both boats, they will face Asopos de Vliet, arguably the weakest of the four Dutch crews in this event. In the heats Asopos de Vliet seemed to have the sharper start but St. Edward’s settled into a longer rhythm, which serves them well down the Henley stretch. With identical times to Fawley in similar conditions, this is set up to be a blinder, and St. Edward’s have the opportunity to join an exclusive club of schoolboy crews reaching the Temple Friday.
University of Virginia, USA v Newcastle Univ.
Newcastle University have had impressive results this season, leading to a seeded position, but have opted to enter their top athletes in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup, leaving this race open for US attack from the University of Virginia. Newcastle appear to be the favourites, with the faster start and the gritty approach, but Virginia were impressive in the latter stages, sitting up on a lively rhythm as they knocked out Purdue. Another matchup with the same time to Fawley, and with both crews in close fights in their heat, this will be a race to watch.
Durham Univ. ‘A’ v Cambridge Univ.
Cambridge looked dominant as they dispatched Durham ‘B’ in the heats, but the palatinate army will be seeking revenge as it’s the turn of their ‘A’ boat to face the boys in blue. Durham have impressed this season but were narrowly beaten by Cambridge in the time trial of the Metropolitan Regatta so the crews haven’t yet raced side-by-side. Both crews looked relaxed in their heats, settling quickly into long and loose rhythms, so this will be an excellent showdown, regardless of who takes the win.
