After a slight hiatus in 2020-2021, the River Tyne welcomes the university crowd back on to its tidal waters once more for BUCS Head 2021-2022. With 3km (and potentially inclement weather) between them and their first taste of BUCS glory, the crews entered into the Women’s Beginner Quad category will undoubtedly be keen to make first impressions count.
Durham University BC
Having occupied five of the top ten finishing times in the Women’s Beginner erg at BUCS Indoors back in November – including the top two spots – we will likely see at least one crew from Durham University in this category. With their high-performance Development Squad coaching programme continually upping its game year-on-year, Durham beginners are no strangers to the BUCS podium. What’s more, the integration of Tyne-based training sessions into their weekly programme will inevitably inject some confidence into these Durham athletes ahead of their first appearance on the national stage. I feel that a strong case will be made to continue the legacy of Durham’s Development Squad women this time around.
Exeter University BC
Another standout performance across the Women’s Beginner event at BUCS Indoors came from a university cohort residing at the opposite end of the country – Exeter. Perhaps the four athletes who featured among the top ten Women’s Beginner ergo scores in November will join forces and journey up north with victory on their mind.
Prediction
While Durham and Exeter may statistically appear to be strong contenders based on their beginner athletes’ performances at BUCS Indoors, it remains all to play for as crews enter their final days of pre-race prep. Entries from the usual contenders Edinburgh University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Newcastle University will aim to replicate the medal-winning performances of their predecessors at last year’s BUCS Regatta.
Much like their aforementioned Northern rivals Durham, Newcastle University are well-versed in the ever unpredictable conditions on the Tyne. The question is, will their home advantage come to fruition? Or will they be pipped to the post on the day by potential wild card entries from universities like Reading, Liverpool, Southampton, or Strathclyde, who are all rising through the ranks?
For the time being, I am going to stick with the stats and foresee a win brought home by Durham University in this event. However, I have no doubt that their opposition will shake things up and create a highly competitive atmosphere among these crews. There is everything to gain from this first BUCS league appearance on the water, which will provide some exciting food for thought ahead of BUCS Regatta in the summer.
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