The 4+ is a relatively heavy boat with the added weight of a cox compared to the 4-. This means that over a longer course such as the 5000m course of this year’s BUCS Head, it is likely to be one of the tougher boats to power down the course without losing any momentum. Any loss of speed in the 4+ will cost you heavily against the clock. Therefore, it is likely that this event could see some surprise results. With no Brookes or UL crews, the title looks to be pretty open and very competitive between a number of top university programs.
Newcastle University Boat Club
Newcastle is possibly favourite for this event. Famed for their tough winter training program and a consistently fast men’s squad, this University program is no stranger to very fast coxed fours. With the Head taking place on home water, they should also be pest prepared to tackle any adverse conditions the Tyne throws at them.
Imperial College Boat Club
Much has been said of the depth of Imperial’s Men’s squad and with some competitive results at fours head with a 5th place in Open 4+ and 2nd in Academic 4+. I however am unsure if they will have the raw power to beat the likes of Newcastle.
Edinburgh University Boat Club
Edinburgh has spent much of the winter dominating much of the rowing scene up in Scotland. Notably though it was Glasgow University who took home the win in both the Open 4+ and R1 4+ at Inverness Head back in November. Perhaps Edinburgh will be looking to right this wrong and take this crown at BUCs Head this year.
Bristol University Boat club
Bristol University can always be relied upon to produce a fast 4+. Their results this winter already indicate that they are not to be ignored and will be wanting to make the long drive north worth it. Already this season they have won Champ 4+ at Bristol head as well as coming joint 5th with Imperial at Fours Head.
Prediction
For me Newcastle is favourite for the win but it really is too close to call. With such quality at the top of all these premier university rowing programs it is increasingly difficult to predict results. Knowing the Tyne, it could well come down to who performs best in adverse conditions.
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