As part of Monday’s racing the women’s championship coxless fours for BUCs 2022 sees ten entires, all from different universities. The crew list is as follows: Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Imperial, London, Liverpool, London School of Economics, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield. This is normally reshuffled closer to the event based on previous BUCS points. Looking at the BUCS head results from the 2021/22 season, we saw Nottingham take the win, then Durham, Sheffield, Imperial, and finally Edinburgh. Some crews may have changed since then and we see more boats entered, so it’ll be interesting to take a closer look.
Off the back of the Oxbridge boat races, the winning Cambridge eight will have been split to create this four. There is no doubt that these girls will be quick down the course with plenty of sweep practice over strong and wild Thames water; this should set them up perfectly for the unpredictable waves on the Holme Pierrepont lake.
You’d find a similar story with the University of London. A huge University rowing programme with plenty of experience, nous and winning mentality to boot, we can be sure that it’ll be a quick crew and competitive against the Cambridge four.
Newcastle are also well known for having a substantial student programme, with plenty of notable athletes. As perennial contenders for most key titles throughout the racing calendar, the Blue Star ladies have won the Victor Ludorum before and know what it takes. Another strong crew from the north worth noting are Edinburgh; this program has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years and now provide consistent optionality at the sharp end of racing.
With Nottingham winning the women’s coxless fours at BUCS head, we can also be sure that they will put in a strong crew. On home water, they will have an extra edge and an added desire to succeed against the backdrop of their training environment.
I can’t look past Cambridge for gold, with the University of London close behind. Bronze is a toss-up between Newcastle, Edinburgh and Nottingham. A tight ‘A’ final for all of these crews and nail biting for all coaches and supporters alike. Best of luck to all, see you out on the water!
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