This weekend, the River Tyne will play host to one of the North’s most anticipated races as the Women’s Band 1 Eights take centre stage at Rutherford Head. The 4.5km course offers clubs the perfect long-distance, tidal practice that they will need in the build-up to the Women’s Head of the River on the Thames. The same four clubs that competed in this category last year return once again, and with them comes plenty of unfinished business. Dominance in the Northern rowing scene is on the line, and these programmes will be eager to stamp their authority early in the season.
Newcastle University Boat Club
Newcastle University enter two eights and sits in a strong position to defend their title after one of their most successful years in recent memory. Their top crew placed 12th overall and third among university crews at the Women’s Head of the River Race, backed up by a championship title at BUCS Head and a gold medal at BUCS Regatta. The squad also reached the final at Henley Royal Regatta and achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying three eights in the academic events at Henley Women’s. Although results from the women’s side have been sparse so far this season, their depth is unquestionable. Newcastle have the quality to dominate domestically and will be determined to show that last year’s momentum has carried into the new season.
Edinburgh University Boat Club
Edinburgh University also field two eights, and will be looking to showcase the depth of their squad once again. Their first crew has already collected an impressive set of results this autumn with victories internationally at the High Point Autumn Festival in North Carolina. Wins over Duke, High Point and Oxford across three distances have set the tone for an aggressive racing style. Their development programme continues to grow, highlighted by their beginner crew making history last summer as the first entirely novice lineup ever to qualify for The Island Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. Last season, Edinburgh took second behind Newcastle at Rutherford Head, and the rivalry has only intensified. With a Women’s Head of the River fourth place among university crews and podium finishes at BUCS Head, they will view this race as an opportunity to improve their results further and compete for the top spot this season.
Durham University
Durham University arrive with two eights and a track record of consistency and top results at university Level. Their women’s first eight reached the semi-final at Henley Royal Regatta last season, losing to the eventual champions. Their second eight delivered a strong performance at Henley Women’s, while across the course of the spring, the squad secured second place in the championship eight at BUCS Head and collected a win in the championship four at the Metropolitan Regatta. Durham also placed 18th overall at the Women’s Head of the River Race, making them the sixth-fastest university crew on the day. Their form suggests they could challenge for the top places if they find rhythm early in the race.
Tyne Amateur Rowing Club
As the sole club entry among the university heavyweights, Tyne Amateur Rowing Club bring a different kind of threat. Their women have already enjoyed an excellent start to the season with wins across the board at Durham Autumn Head, suggesting a squad that is fast and eager to race. Their first eight reached the quarter final at Henley Women’s Regatta, knocking out Tideway Scullers before losing to eventual winners Molesey. Domestic results at the Metropolitan Regatta show that they can match the speed of larger programmes when conditions suit them. With fifth place in the Provincial Club category at the Women’s Head of the River Race earlier this year, Tyne have the experience to hold their own on home water.
Prediction
Newcastle and Edinburgh appear set to renew their rivalry and will likely be in contention for gold, while Durham and Tyne will be close behind. Edinburgh have had the stronger start to the season, yet Newcastle’s proven depth and history of producing big performances when it counts give them the advantage. Edinburgh will build on their success in America and will likely take the win, with Newcastle pushing close behind. Tyne are likely to challenge Durham for the final podium position to prove the club’s success against strong university clubs.
