A classic side by side knockout, Bedford Regatta returns this weekend in all its glory. The ideal competition for university novices and school crews, the regatta offers the perfect opportunity for close, side by side, back to back racing. A chance to learn fast and have fun whilst doing so, away from the intensity of bigger regattas. The women’s coxed fours category is made up of six entries, a mix of clubs, colleges and schools.
St John’s College
Three Oxford College’s are entered into this event, the first of which is St John’s. In a year of disrupted water time and cancelled races, this has been an incredibly tricky year for college rowing. St John’s have relatively few this season, making this weekend all the more exciting. Last year at Summer Eights they placed first in division two and ninth in division four and should a similar group have continued this year, then these sorts of experiences can be valuable.
Lea
Lea have had an impressive winter. At Docklands Head they won the eight and coxed fours in both Tier 1 and Tier 2, followed by fourth and 15th place in the club eight category at Hammersmith Head. At WEHORR in March they placed 13th and 24th in the competitive club category. The experience and form of this crew makes them strong favourites this weekend.
Norwich School
Norwich have two coxed fours entered into this event. This is likely to be their eight split into two, providing invaluable doubling up racing experience. Their eight placed 12th at Schools Head, winning the first eight category, whilst their coxed four placed seventh at Hampton Head. Last year’s J16’s placed ninth at the National Schools’ Regatta in 2023 and with these girls now stepping up to J18 it will be exciting to see how they go.
St Hugh’s College
St Hugh’s are another crew who have had a disrupted winter. Their eight has had a strong season so far, placing 13th in the Women’s Development category at Quintin Head and ninth in the recent Oxford City Bumps. How they fare in a smaller boat will be interesting.
Merton College
Merton College look to be the strongest of the Oxford colleges racing this weekend. At Quintin Head in January they placed an impressive second in the Women’s Development eight. They have had minimal race experience since, unable to race at WEHORR due to the cancellation of the beginner categories, but having finished last year’s season with an impressive fourth in the Oxford Summer Eights, this is certainly a college to look out for.
Predictions
A real mixture of ages and experience, this event is exciting and some rounds could be unpredictable. Lea to place first, facing Merton in the final.
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