Rutherford Head is always an exciting race to really kick off the head racing season. With the return to the Tyne, we can expect some exciting racing from the women’s band two eights. Many university crews will be looking to put down a solid performance ahead of BUCS Head, which takes place in three months time. The 4500m course is always an exciting one, and with eight crews in band two this year it should prove to be an event to watch.
Glasgow University Boat Club
Glasgow University Boat Club always put down a strong performance in this category, taking the win last year. Previously, they have stayed near the top, finishing in third in both 2022 and 2023. Glasgow seem to be the ones to watch, after a strong performance at WEHORR earlier this year placed them 49th, gaining the Challenge Pennant. They also put down a solid performance at BUCS Regatta in May, placing second in the C final of the intermediate eights. This crew could be in for the chance of winning the category for a second year if they can keep up the performance from their previous season.
Newcastle University Boat Club
With two boats in band one, this Newcastle University Boat Club crew will be their third boat, but that does not mean we should discount them. Newcastle have had some very strong years for their women’s squad, which could place them near the top of the band. Their third boat at BUCS Regatta came away with a fifth in the C final, after a very close race for third place. They placed 71st at WEHORR this year, and came away with eighth in the intermediate women’s eights at BUCS Head last year. This shows they have the ability to push toward the top of this band, being a strong contender for Glasgow to fight off.
Agecroft Rowing Club
While they did not enter an eight for Rutherford Head last year, Agecroft Rowing Club have had some good results in head races over the past year. Recently, they won the band one eights at Agecroft Head, held just last month. They placed 61st at WEHORR, proving they have what it takes to give the University crews a good race. It will be interesting to watch how they place, considering they did not race Rutherford last year, and the field is full of university crews.
Honourable Mentions
Other notable entrants include St Andrews University Boat Club and Durham University Boat Club. Durham has a strong programme which could produce some very good eights; however, their third boats aren’t quite to the standard of Newcastle’s. St Andrews put down an impressive time in the band three eights last year, but I don’t see that being enough to challenge either Glasgow or Newcastle.
Prediction
The women’s band two eights is always a great race to watch, but this year I see a close fight between Newcastle and Glasgow. Glasgow will be hoping to keep their title in this event, but Newcastle may have the home advantage and take it from them. The other boats in this category are sure to put up a good fight, with Agecroft making an appearance to push these top crews.
