The time has come once again for students from across the country to pull on their wellies, splash jackets, and woolly hats as they gear up for the legendary 5km stretch of the Tyne River in the 2025 edition of BUCS Head, with its iconic bridges standing as silent witnesses to the action. With 29 entries this year, including the defending champions, Bath University Boat Club, the Intermediate Women’s Quads event is shaping up to be an electrifying, hard-fought battle that no one will want to miss.
University of Bath Boat Club
Last year’s champions, Bath University Boat Club, will have their work cut out for them as they battle to defend their title. However, with a standout performance at the February U23 trials, where three of their athletes, Rebekah Court, Ella Fullman, and Bea Hughes, all placed in the top 20 women in the single event, the strength of Bath’s sculling program seems undeniable. While it remains uncertain if any of these athletes will compete in this boat class, their impressive results highlight the depth of talent in the squad, positioning Bath for a strong showing at BUCS Head and an exciting start to their 2025 campaign.
Newcastle University Boat Club
With the advantage of racing on home water, a deep and competitive squad, and the title of reigning champions in the Intermediate Women’s Quads from both the 2024 BUCS Regatta and Rutherford Head earlier this season, Newcastle University Boat Club’s athletes are poised to make a serious statement. Entering not one but two crews in this year’s event, they bring both strength and strategy to the table. Their familiarity with the demanding Tyne course and their proven ability to thrive under pressure make them formidable contenders.
However, despite their dominance at BUCS Regatta, Newcastle’s performance in this event at BUCS Head last year fell short of expectations, with their A crew placing eighth. Now, with a fresh squad, winter training in the rearview mirror and a point to prove, they’ll be looking to turn the tide of the Tyne and row their way back to the top of the time sheets.
Reading University Boat Club
With equally impressive performances at the British February Trials, where five of their scullers secured high top 20 placements, Reading University Boat Club’s squad appears well equipped to challenge both Newcastle and Bath in this event. Much like Bath, while it’s unlikely that any of their five trialists will feature in the intermediate crews, their achievements are a testament to the programme’s strength and will motivate their teammates to give it their all.
After finishing fourth in this event last year, a mere three seconds shy of a podium spot, Reading’s women will no doubt be hungry for redemption. Expect them to push to the limit and leave everything out on the water as they battle for a place on the podium, if not the top.
Notable Mentions
With a packed field and no published crew lists, this event is open for the taking. One other crew to watch is the returning squad from Queen’s University Belfast Boat Club, who pose a serious threat after securing second place in this event last year. Similarly, Nottingham University Boat Club and Leeds University Boat Club have shown strong form in the early season, with both cohorts securing impressive performances at Rutherford Head in the autumn, suggesting they have the speed and momentum to make an impact, not only in this race but throughout the rest of the season.
Predictions
With so much talent on the start line, the battle for the top spots is set to be fiercely contested. That being said, if I had to place my bets, I’d back Newcastle University Boat Club to take the win this weekend in front of a strong home crowd. I’d further predict Reading University Boat Club and Bath Univeristy Boat Club to claim the remaining podium spots.
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