Coming up this weekend, we have BUCS Regatta, where most universities will test the strength of their novice programmes against their rival universities hailing from all corners of the UK in this student-only competition, unique in its nature. This is a great opportunity for novices to experience what will often be their first big regatta, and, based on the number of entries into the Women’s Beginner Eights category, there should be some exciting competition.
Cambridge University BC
This year, Cambridge has entered three eights into this event, which almost definitely make up at least part of their development squad for this season. At this early stage in the academic term, coaches will likely be using BUCS Regatta to scope out potential talent among the college rowers and, as such, the entries from Cambridge represent a bit of a wild card that could go either way.
Edinburgh University BC
So far this year, Edinburgh appears to have had an exceedingly strong novice programme. At BUCS Head, they had a clean sweep in the women’s beginner categories, winning the beginner eights and quads, while also picking up first and second in the beginner coxed fours. This success carried over into Women’s Eights Head of the River Race 2023, where they placed first and second in the Beginner Academic category. Looking at these results, they are definitely a favourite coming into this weekend.
University of Birmingham BC
The Birmingham novice rowers have also had a successful year, taking third at BUCS Head in the women’s beginner eights event, and fourth at WEHoRR in the Beginner Academic category. A lot can change in the interim between the last big head race of the season and the first regatta, but if Birmingham have carried over their momentum from winter training, they should make for some strong competition at BUCS.
Liverpool University BC
After taking first place in the B final of this event last year, Liverpool will no doubt be looking to develop from this achievement to take them into the A final. Given their result at BUCS Head, where they placed second in the women’s beginner eights category, this is looking like a strong possibility.
Queen’s University Belfast BC
Another crew that will be hoping to build on last year’s impressive performance is Queen’s. Queen’s will have their eyes on gold after taking silver last year. Having placed third in the Women’s Beginner Coxed Fours, and fourth in the Women’s Beginner Eights category at BUCS Head in February, they are certainly in with a shot of finishing as one of the top crews.
Prediction
Given the popularity of this event, there are, of course, many other crews I haven’t mentioned who are in with the chance of a medal, such as East Anglia, Nottingham, and Imperial, to name a few. As such, I expect to see a tough battle for the silver and bronze medals. Nevertheless, looking back on their performance this past year, I would put my money on Edinburgh taking gold.
BUCS Image Credit: Drew Smith
Drew Smith Photography
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