Wednesday Reviews
Shiplake Vikings B.C. v Mercantile R.C., AUS
Against the drastically different grey skied background, Shiplake and Mercantile lined up to kick off a stacked Wednesday. Mercantile sprang off the starting blocks, clearly wanting to show they have the guts to tackle the Henley course, and tackle it they did. Immediately taking a two-thirds-of-a-length lead off the End of the Island against the Shiplake alumni crew, and holding a high 41 as they went. They looked tidy and precise, storming down the course and making another move at the Barrier- but not quite able to shake the Vikings. By the Enclosures, however, it was a different story and Mercantile had dropped their rate to 26 and cruised through the finish.
Molesey B.C. ‘B’ v Upper Thames R.C. ‘B’
It was a battle of the B crews this afternoon in the anticipated sunshine, and what a B crew line up. Two boathouses with not only plenty of entries in this regatta, but with consistent results in recent history. Everyone likes an underdog story, and this one has two of them. Molesey took the early lead, stretching out of contact in the opening stages of the race and creating two lengths of clear water between the two crews. Molesey B refused to let it up, and they kept the high rate up and the distance up as they battled it down the course. Ultimately, Molesey ‘B’ came across the line with a two and a quarter length lead, and another race under their belt.
Tyne A.R.C. v Molesey B.C. ‘A’
This one is a shout out to the calibre of the Molesey A crew, and the fact that, after an already quick day of racing, they smashed the Fawley record by two seconds. What a way to lay down a marker heading into the latter half of the week. They crossed the line with a four and a half length lead and looked stylish doing so. Tyne did everything they could to keep in touch with the Molesey boat, but ultimately could not stop the Molesey dominance. The question is, can Molesy continue this as they move through the rounds?
Thursday Previews
Thames R.C. ‘A’ v Mercantile R.C., AUS
Both of these crews had a chance to take it down over the line today, and so you’d hope (and I’m sure they do) that they have fresh legs coming into the third day of racing. It goes without saying that Thames have had a great season, coming into the Henley Royal Regatta with the win at Henley Women’s Regatta and ready to clinch their fourth title in five years. However, the Mercantile boat looked cool, calm and collected as they saw off local competition today. It’s hard not to back the calibre from Thames, but having travelled a long way, and based on how neat they looked today, I think Mercantile will put up a good fight.
Thames R.C. ‘B’ v Leander Club
It is important to state immediately that the Leander crew equalled the record to the Barrier marker, it may have been a quick day on the water, but this is an even quicker crew. Thames ‘B’, however, had a great showing in their round today, seeing off Royal Chester and putting on a good show for all the spectators. They were consistent and speedy as they came past, and although I don’t think they have enough in them to beat Leander, I think this race will show us what Leander has in the tank for this Regatta.
Molesey B.C. ‘B’ v London R.C. ‘A’
One of the favourites coming into this race, London ‘A’ had another good day down the track, but then so did Molesey. London look comfortable, having taken three lengths out of City of Oxford by the Barrier and then continuing to stretch out, giving themselves a chance to bring the rate down by the hole in the wall marker. London go into the next round with confidence, but I think the B crew from close rivals Molesey will not go down without a fight. Molesey had a great race today, and showed off the prowess of the Molesey programme. However, London look to be the stronger crew, and the ones I believe will take the win.
