A coxed four is a challenging boat to race in, especially if the conditions are less than ideal. But despite this, coming down this 5000m course we should see some excellent displays of sweeping skill from this category and hopefully it will be competitive and give us a good race.
Southampton University BC
Southampton are coming off the back of not only a very convincing win at Fours Head in the Women’s Academic Fours category but they also had a really good squad of beginners last year, especially in the sweep boats. If they have had a good retention rate of these rowers and continue on this upwards trajectory then this could be a very competitive season for them.
Imperial College London BC
One of the other squads that was at both Henley Fours & Eights Head and also Fours Head, in the latter their Women’s Academic Four came in behind Southampton. Imperial has a long legacy of having very good sweep boats, and it seems so far this season their women’s squad has not disappointed. They will be ones to watch coming into this race.
Newcastle University BC
I would be very surprised if there was not a strong entry in this category from Newcastle as not only do they have a very good sweeping reputation, but it is also their home race. Last year at BUCS Regatta, their Women’s Intermediate Four made it into the A final, it may not be the same line up but this result is indicative of the talent and strength they have on offer.
Prediction
The coxed fours are always a difficult one to call, but I think based off previous results from this season Southampton should be ones to watch. Some others to watch will include Edinburgh, whose women’s squad look to be revitalised this season, Nottingham, Exeter and Durham, all perennial contenders in the intermediate events. Otherwise we will have to wait and see who turns up on the day to cause some trouble on the Tyne.
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