As usual, the Rutherford Head promises great racing and a chance for clubs and universities to see where they stand against each other. The open quads are no different, and these crews will be eager to see how they have developed since the Fours Head a few weeks ago. This race is guaranteed to be great for the spectators and rowers alike.
Durham University Boat Club
Durham University Boat Club has a very well-earned reputation for its great talent in both sweeping and sculling, and this year’s Rutherford Head will likely show again just why. They have had many successes earlier this year at Henley Royal Regatta and Durham Regatta, where they won multiple events. In addition to this, there have been lots of impressive erg scores and PBs from both returning and new rowers at the North East Indoor Rowing Championships earlier this month. They also managed to send 18 GB athletes to Boston, with many strong results; they have already demonstrated their strength and capacity to win and excel multiple times, competing against other strong clubs such as Edinburgh, Imperial, or Newcastle. A win at Rutherford Head would be a great way to get the racing season started for the club.
Edinburgh University
Edinburgh University Boat Club, the defending champion for this category, will, I imagine, put up a strong fight on Saturday. Having sent three senior men off to Boston each gaining outstanding results, and some of their members already getting a gold in the men’s coxed four category at the home international regatta and qualifying their whole summer squad for Henley Royal Regatta for the second consecutive year with one men’s crew making it till the Friday in The Temple Challenge Cup, they have more than proven that they can achieve many more great things this year. I reckon Edinburgh should undoubtedly be in the running for another win this year and will likely achieve great things with their crews.
Northumbria University
Northumbria has started this year on a booming trend, with Joe Richardson finishing third at the Northeastern Indoor Rowing Championships. They also performed well in the quad at the British Rowing Club Championships shortly after winning the five-alive trophy at Durham Regatta last summer. They are without a doubt a contender for a medal, and I am sure we shall see some great things from their crews this year at Rutherford.
Leeds University/Leeds Rowing Club
With a strong start to the year, the composite between the University of Leeds and Leeds Rowing Club team promises to give a great showing at the Rutherford Head this year. For the university squad, a productive pre-season led to several indoor PBs alongside winning the VL for the second year running at the BUCS Indoor Championships. This was built on the success over the summer at the British Rowing Club Championships, where the club won two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
Prediction
It’s a hard call, but my money would be on Durham to take the win, with Edinburgh closely challenging them.
