As the multi-lane racing season lies ahead, BUCS Head may give us an indication of who is in with a chance. As the entry into the BUCS season, and a good showcase of the capabilities of the university crews across the UK, BUCS Fours and Eights Head presents us with some of the best on offer. When it comes to fast paced, smooth rowing, the quads is always one that stands out: many people’s favourite boat class to race, it will be a battle on the Tyne to see who can do it best. So how do the crews stack up?
University of Reading
With two crews entered, Reading holds depth in their squad that may just be unmatched. With solid results at February trials, they showcased their impressive speed and the work put in through their training. With their top athletes seemingly missing, it leaves the next level athletes to come up against the best of the UK’s universities. This season Reading saw a clean sweep of first, second and third in the quads at Henley Sculls, showing that even without their top athletes they can do what it takes to win events. As returning champions, a desire to retain their title won’t hurt either.
Queen’s University Belfast
Coming from a second place finish at last year’s event, Queen’s University Belfast come from a strong place in their season. At Lagan Autumn Head of the River, they secured the win in the men’s senior quads. Queen’s is a Rowing Ireland High Performance Pathway Programme, with current and previous athletes having competed at the Paris Olympics. This showcases the strength in their foundations, as their program helps develop their athletes to be international champions. With the starting place being the UK university scene, their athletes will undoubtedly be wanting to take home the win and put their training to use.
University of Nottingham
As returning bronze medallists for this event, Nottingham’s crew will be looking to hold pace with the best. With limited racing it’s hard to gauge where they’re at this year, but with three athletes competing at November trials, there is clearly some strength in their squad and in their program. Undoubtedly wanting to improve on last year’s results, they will be itching to show how fast they are.
Durham University
A high performance centre for British Rowing, Durham University had several athletes competing at November trials. While Alfie Dean took 64th in the men’s single, it was Charlie Warren and Will Morgan-Jones who impressed us, being the third fastest U23 pair. While not sculling, it shows what the Durham University program can do and the quality of rowing that is fostered in their waters. With some good results at Tyne New Years and Rutherford Head, they’re certainly prepared for the course too. The question remains whether the crew has what it takes, and if their experience on the Tyne will prove vital.
University of Edinburgh
Another GB high performance centre, Edinburgh has consistently taken medals home from BUCS events, and proven devastating in the sculling categories. With the single fastest U23 double at February trials, they have already proven their speed and skill on the water in sculling crew boats. Further to this, Rutherford Head saw them claim gold in the men’s eight, as well as importantly the quad. Already winning on the Tyne in a quad may prove their speed, but it also lays down the foundation of confidence that they need to take on the best universities in the country.
Predictions
The battle for gold will be tightly fought between Reading and Edinburgh, with both squads showing they have what it takes to be the best in the country. I would give this one to Edinburgh, with their race experience giving them the edge. Reading’s ‘A’ crew will take a close second. Queen’s University Belfast and Nottingham won’t quite be able to charge as quickly, taking third and fourth respectively.
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