And we are back in business for BUCS Regatta’s 2023 edition. The Intermediate Men’s Quad looks set to impress, with many crews having the capability to perform exceptionally well across this weekend. Whereas – compared to the sweep side – there was an absence of some of the top sculling crews at BUCS Head, the regatta flips that narrative and draws out the best and brightest within the university sculling scene.
Reading University Boat Club
They say knowledge is power, and if Reading’s recent performances are anything to go by, their wealth of sculling knowledge is next to none. Taking both the gold and bronze in this category as well as the gold in Championship back in February at BUCS Head shows the strength and depth that this programme hosts. Specialising mainly in sculling allows for each athlete to undergo continual improvement and refinement within the discipline and prevents them from picking up quirks that can sometimes come from interchangeably transferring between the sweep and sculling disciplines.
Durham University Boat Club
Racing this weekend in a lighter shade of purple to their aforementioned counterparts, Durham will be coming out swinging in an effort to try to gain an early lead over Reading from stroke one. More widely known for its successful sweep performances, Durham are beginning to edge their way into being another force on the university sculling circuit which is openly welcomed from an outsider perspective as to foster a stronger battle throughout the season. Having 11 athletes make it to April Trials clearly shows the programme being run out of Durham is doing something right and so there is no doubt that any combination being put out in their mens quad this weekend will be formidable.
Bath University Boat Club
After only narrowly missing out on a medal back at BUCS Head in February, the boys of Bath will be back for their second innings this weekend with the clear goal of a podium position. Taking 5th at the regatta last year, it’s clear the university squad running alongside a GB start programme has potential to be successful within the sculling field. Furthermore, with their Championship Men’s Quad taking silver at the Head back in February, it will be interesting to see if their intermediate quad can mimic the success of these athletes and produce a noteworthy performance.
Edinburgh University Boat Club
Taking the win in the event last year, we are yet to see an equally notable performance this year from the Edinburgh quad. Taking 9th at this year’s head puts them on the back foot compared to their competitors mentioned above albeit last year they looked to be in a similar position after placing 5th at the Head and managing to move their way up to gold by April. It will be interesting to see if the Edinburgh quad rises through the ranks as an underdog in Monday’s race.
Predictions
Only a fool wouldn’t predict Reading to be aiming for the top spot. I would even go as far as to say, I would not be surprised to see the presence of two Reading crews making a dominant performance in the A Final aiming for the top spot. This will be made no mean feat if the likes of Durham and Bath have anything to say about it, of whom I predict to fill up the remaining podium positions and to be closely followed up by Edinburgh.
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