Serving as one of the first major regattas to take place in the UK, Wallingford Regatta attracts crews from around the country, and even international crews, to race on the iconic Dorney lake. Crews racing in the challenge category will most likely be crews making their first strides on their HRR campaigns, allowing crews to assess their potential competitions’ ability over a regatta course. With a high calibre of crews entered and even international crews from South Africa, this year series of racing will be as nail-biting as always.
Agecroft Rowing Club
Starting off with Agecroft, this club is on a steady rise and has shown itself to be a force to be reckoned with. Their recent dominance at this year’s Head of the River is a clear indicator of their upward trajectory. Having sent four crews to the race and winning the Jackson Trophy, Agecroft concluded their head season with style and will undoubtedly be looking to launch their regatta campaign in similar fashion. Having not entered a crew into this event last year, the challenge coxless fours will be new territory for this club. The question is whether they can maintain their momentum against top boat clubs. No matter the result, Agecroft will rise to the occasion and deliver a race worth watching.
Thames Rowing Club
This race, as part of the lead-up to Henley Royal Regatta, features frequent contenders like Brookes and LRC. Thames have continued their top-tier performances over long distances this season, with their first eight finishing third overall at Head of the River Race and winning both the club pennant and Vernon Trophy. Their presence will no doubt be felt this weekend, especially as they have entered multiple crews into this race and eights into the Theodosius Challenge Cup.
Looking back to last year’s performance in this event, Thames’ crews were bested by Leander, settling for second and third respectively. While these podium finishes demonstrate depth and consistency, there’s no feeling quite like standing atop the podium. With Leander not entering a crew this year, this may give Thames the space to push for first and begin their Wyfold Challenge Cup campaign on a high.
London Rowing Club
With LRC throwing their hat into the ring, this year’s President’s Challenge Cup is shaping up to be a fierce showdown between the Remenham members. That said, their closest rivalry in this event remains Thames. LRC fell behind Thames at HoRR with their first crew finishing in sixth place. Having not made to the final last year at Wallingford and being knocked out of contention for the Wyfold Challenge Cup at last season’s HRR, LRC will be hungry to put everything into this race and return to the podium. Entering three crews could give them a statistical edge, but it’ll take more than numbers to overcome the stacked entries who’ll also be vying for gold.
Marlow Rowing Club
A more versatile club, Marlow consistently deliver across all levels of rowing. Winners of the Page Trophy at HoRR and frequent standouts at School’s Head and Junior Sculling Head, they continue to show impressive depth. Looking back to last season, Marlow put together a formidable coxless four that placed fourth in this event, followed by third at Marlow regatta, and a triumphant win in the Wyfold Challenge Cup at HRR. One thing will be on the top of this crew’s minds – retention. Coming into this race, Marlow will be looking to improve on last year’s result and show that their Wyfold victory was no fluke. Having taken the title from LRC, they’ll have targets on their backs.
Vesta Rowing Club
Having missed out on a lane in the final for this race last year, Vesta have a challenge cut out for themselves this season as the draw is packed with clubs renowned for producing strong crews. Not to say that Vesta isn’t capable of peak athlete production, but it highlights the level of competition in this category. Coming in on the back foot gives this crew the space to command this race with no other intention but to improve and claim a place in the final. Vesta’s strength often lies in their ability to build through a regatta, and if they can keep pace early, a surprise final appearance could very well be in reach. Consistency through the rounds will be key.
Oxford Brookes
Looking for redemption? Trying to improve the reputation of the club?…No. Brookes are, and remain to be, at the pinnacle of rowing in the UK, a position that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Brookes will enter this event with assured confidence, having placed second overall at HoRR and winning this event at Marlow regatta last year. With Brookes’ unwavering ability to dominate, this race shouldn’t deviate from that expectation. Their depth, power, and relentless racing style have become hallmarks of their programme, and few can match them over 2000m. If this crew can execute a clean regatta, they’ll be odds-on favourites to stand atop the podium this year. The question isn’t whether they can win, but who, if anyone, can challenge them.
Prediction
With Brookes most likely to be the favourites for this event, the remaining podium positions are likely to go to Thames with LRC and Marlow providing real challenge to upset this prediction. Anticipating that crews racing in this event will continue to race in this category for HRR, a strong initial performance at this weekends Wallingford regatta will provide good indication of crew performance and allow the competition to identify potential strategies to best their rivals over this coming season.
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