The coxless quad is always one of the most popular boats to race in and it’s not hard to see why. When they get going, they can fly along, and be some of the most interesting races to watch. In this category we can expect to see some of the big sculling names on the scene, but hopefully we will also see some up and coming universities take it to the big dogs down the Tyne.
Reading University BC
Reading are a club that has a great reputation on the sculling scene, often winning or coming at least high middle of the pack. This has continued so far this season, with a Reading quad winning the Women’s Academic Quad at Fours Head and with their other boat coming third in the same category. We know they have success in the lightweight categories but the results from this season show they clearly have a good depth in their squad, and this will be present in some capacity this coming weekend.
Newcastle University BC
Newcastle may be better known for their eight skills, but as we have seen time and time again they can perform well in sculling boats. On their home turf, this may become an even easier task. Their Women’s Intermediate Quad from the 2020/21 season ended it by coming third at BUCS Regatta, a solid result. Judging by that and the reputation of the club it would be fair to assume they would show up and give a good race.
Liverpool University BC
Arguably an underdog here in the quad category, and definitely a university that ebbs and flows in terms of results, Liverpool came second to a Reading crew at Fours Head in the Women’s Academic Quad, so they clearly have some strong performances up their sleeves.
Durham University BC
The other club who are racing close to home, and with the advantage, Durham performed well last season with their Women’s Intermediate Quad coming second at BUCS Regatta. This illustrates a pre-existing strength in this category and that coupled with home water familiarity could mean they are ones to keep an eye out for.
Prediction
A really hard one to call but all I think it would be a surprise if Newcastle and Reading didn’t perform well. Similarly, last year’s Women’s Intermediate Quad champions at BUCS Regatta, Queen’s University Belfast may make the trip over and if they do, could be ones to watch.
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