Wansbeck Long Distance Sculls Preview
Wansbeck LDS is a key fixture in the Northern Rowing LDS series, following on shortly from the recent Berwick Long Distance Sculls, which was held just last weekend. This year’s competition is split between two divisions and makes for an exciting morning of sculling between local rivals.
Open Junior 18 Quads and Open Junior 17 Quads
With only one crew in each of these categories, an automatic win is a certainty. However, will the J18 crew from Lambton Rowing Club hold their position as first crew off the start line and set the fastest time of the day or will their J17 teammates, also from Lambton RC, manage to close the gap? This will surely be an exciting run down the course and an excellent way to kick off the morning’s racing.
Open Junior 16 Doubles
This year’s Op J16 2x category is headed by one of the two Cambois Rowing Club crews (Hughes), whose recent victory in this same event at the Berwick LDS and achievement of the quickest J16 crew of the day stands them in good stead to take another win here at Wansbeck. However, the composite double from Berwick Amateur Rowing Club and Chester-le-Street Amateur Rowing Club who took second place at Berwick LDS appear not to be competing this weekend, leaving room for the Hexham Rowing Club and Chester-le-Street ARC crews to try their speed against Cambois down the course.
Women’s Junior 17 Doubles
W J17 2x is the largest category of competitors at this year’s event, with crews from clubs such as Hexham RC, Tyne United Rowing Club and Tees Rowing Club all participating. This marks a notable change to last year’s event, where no crews were entered into this category at all. We are set to see some close racing here, with three crews entered from Hexham and two from Tyne United, the local rivalries will be running high as the crews search for victory against their closest competitors.
Open Junior 15 Singles
Another highly competitive category of sculling is the Op J15 1x. Eke of Berwick ARC sets off first, after taking victory at Berwick LDS. However, the title at Wansbeck could be anyone’s, with Pinter of Durham Amateur Rowing Club following closely behind. Furthermore, a strong cohort of four entries from Tyne United RC pushes the competition further yet in the fight for victory over the 2km course.
Wansbeck Small Boats Head Preview
Following on from what is sure to be a thrilling morning of racing, the Small Boats Head, organised by Cambois RC, will continue into the afternoon on the river Wansbeck. After disappointment in the cancellation of Tyne Small Boats Head due to Storm Amy and some close racing at the recent Tees Small Boats Head, we are sure to see some exciting competition and results at this year’s Wansbeck SBH.
Women’s Junior 18 Singles
As always, single sculling brings close racing and competitive spirit and this year’s category at Wansbeck SBH suggests no different. Setting off first is Palmer of Tyne United RC, looking to have a strong run down the course after a successful start to the season, notably a victory in the W J17 1x (Band 2) at Tyne Single Scullers Head. Others in the category may also be drawing on previous results and looking to find more speed down the course after recent mixed results at events such as the aforementioned Tees SBH.
Open Junior 18 Singles
With eight entries split into two bands, this is sure to be an exhilarating show of sport among close competitors. There are some excellent results among those racing in this year’s event. Most notably, Bower of Tyne United RC posting an extremely strong result at Tyne SSH coming 12th overall and second in their own respective category. Also, Thompson of Lambton RC is one to watch, setting off first in the category and standing as a returning competitor to Wansbeck after racing in last year’s Op J17 1x event. Thompson has also experienced some success this season at Tees SBH, placing third. However, it should be noted that this was in the coxless fours event, so it will be exciting to see how this translates into the single scull. It will be interesting to watch how this year’s racing plays out and who can ultimately grasp the gold.
Open Coxed Fours and Open Junior 18 Coxed Fours
Whilst there is only one entry in each of these categories, the Op 4+ from South College (Durham) is sure to be chased closely down the course by the Op J18 4+ of Lambton RC, making for some great racing between different age groups. South College (Durham) had some mixed results at the recent Tees SBH and will be looking to make vital steps forward in a run down the track this weekend.
Open Junior 14 Coxed Quads
With composite crews from Lambton and Tyne United RCs as well as Chester-le-Street and Tyne ARCs, this J14 event is set to produce some exciting racing for these young athletes and provide excellent head race experience as we look further into the season.
Women’s Masters B/D Singles
This is a Masters event sure to provide some close competition, with two entries each from Durham ARC and Tyne United RC respectively. Notably, Dutton of Durham ARC who raced in the doubles category at last year’s Wansbeck SBH and sets off first in this year’s singles is certainly one to watch, with teammate Conroy following closely behind. How will these results play out in the race for gold?
