BUCS Head is already upon us, signalling the broad back of the head season. While there is only a limited number of entries into the Champ 4+ event this year the competition will not doubt be fierce.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a program with a long history of success in the coxed four. A strong result here would be a massive boost to a program currently on the back foot relative to their own incredibly high standards. The smaller boats often can level the playing field a little as clubs have to divide up their first eight and so this does pose a strong opportunity for Newcastle to show off some of the top talent it has.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh are certainly one of the favourites for this event. A program which seems to have picked up momentum in the past few years and which is no stranger to success in this boat class – think the class of 2016 in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup – Edinburgh don’t mess around when they turn up at national events. While they didn’t win the Open 4+ event at the Rutherford Head just before Christmas they were only half a second off Durham who took victory.
Imperial
Imperial are certainly capable of putting out a very strong line-up in this event. While Fours Head does feel like an age ago there, they came tenth in Champ 4+ against some of the fastest crews in the country. On top of that they were also were able to come second in Academic Coxed Fours, showing they have some depth from which to choose their crew.
Durham
Durham has one of its best chances in years to take the headship in this event. While Newcastle has recently struggled, Durham’s rejuvenation as a program allies with a set of consistently strong results. With Edinburgh close behind them, they secured victory in the Open Coxed Fours event at Rutherford Head just before Christmas and so arrive on the Toon as marginal favourites here.
Bristol
Bristol stand out as the hardest crew to place. With top talent like Robbie Prosser, Bristol have emerged as a club which can produce a seriously competitive Championship-graded boat. Certainly, last year they dominated the Intermediate events and probably should have pitched their tent with the big boys a little earlier. Having not featured too much so far this season I am excited to see how Bristol perform. Can they sustain a multi-year campaign?
Prediction
Durham are looking like the strongest bet approaching this event although Edinburgh will be hot on their heels. I’d earmark Imperial as bronze medal-winning calibre. Let’s see how the cards come down and then bring some other heavyweights in for proper summer match-ups.
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