While the championship level crews steal most of the limelight, the intermediate events often are far more competitive with a diverse range of programmes punching above their weight. The Tyne offers a challenging course for the coxes to tackle with the risk of sandbanks destroying the race for any crews that take too tight a line. Attempting to do justice to the diversity of this event, here is a brief look at some of the likely contenders in the Men’s Intermediate Eight.
Exeter University BC
Exeter has for years now put out strong intermediate crews. Most recently they came first and third in Open Eights at Worcester Head and so will definitely be looking for a top result at BUCS Head.
Nottingham University BC
Second in Open Eights at Wallingford Head shows that there is definitely speed in this squad. Nottingham has for a while now been fighting at the top of the intermediate category and should certainly be looking for a high placing at BUCS Head.
Aberdeen University BC
It has been a quite a number of years since a competitive men’s eight has been produced by Aberdeen University. With a recent win at Aberdeen Head in the eight, this club will want to make the long drive from Scotland a worthwhile journey.
Imperial College London BC
Likely to have a very fast crew and with a programme of its quality a top result will certainly be expected although is definitely not guaranteed against what is expected to be a very fast field. A win in Open Intermediate category at Quintin Head shows that Imperial has what it takes to win.
Newcastle University BC
Newcastle placed second in this event last year and so should be looking to improve and win the title this year. With the race being on home water as well, this highly competitive programme will be unhappy if it does not at least place very high and will not want to settle for anything but the win.
Prediction
As mentioned above, this event is one of the most competitive across the BUCS events, and as such, we could well see a winner emerge which hasn’t been mentioned here. I expect Newcastle to take the win, however, who comes behind them is all to play for. Surrey, Edinburgh and Durham will all be among the pack hunting them down and will likely be amongst the top spots.
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