There is nothing like some good old-fashioned side-by-side eights racing. The brutality in the energy off a racing start is next to none at BUCS with each crew doing their utmost to take an early lead to gain both a physical and psychological advantage over their opposition. The Women’s Intermediate Eights looks set to be an exciting one following some absences back at BUCS Head in February. With a fully armoured and fighting racing cohort racing this Saturday it will be exciting to watch the battle down the Nottingham Course.
Oxford Brookes
Only a fool wouldn’t predict the eight from Oxford Brookes to be pining after the win. Year after year the Brookes programme continues to grow from strength-to-strength fielding eights that can challenge the likes of even the top international crews. hence BUCS Regatta for them could arguably be viewed as a regatta of elementary competition where there is a clear expectation that they will take the win for yet another year in a row and anything less would simply be incongruous to their reputation.
University of London
Realistically the only crew which looks to have a chance of challenging the likes of Brookes is that of a highly stacked UL eight. Lucky for them, this year could be that year. The programme running out of UL appears to be highly successful in managing to seed four athletes firmly in the B final of April Trials. Furthermore, coming off the back of a strong Head racing season only losing to the aforementioned at Women’s Head in an effort to close this gap, there is no doubt the UL Eight will be one of the most eager out on the course to prove themeselves.
Newcastle University
Taking the win in this category at BUCS Head back in February albeit under the absence of Brookes and UL, Newcastle seems to be fuelling their next generation of successful sweep athletes. Newcastle, I anticipate will be a part of the mid-pack battle which will be the most interesting watch fall out, as each crew tests their limits to achieve what arguably will be the only other medal position remaining due to the strength of the aforementioned crews.
Edinburgh University
Taking silver last year was no mean feat from the Edinburgh University eight after only managing to pip Newcastle to the finish line by less than half a second. so coming into Saturday’s race they will be preparing for what likely will be a fight to get out early and stay ahead in an effort to lose their opposition of the start.
Cambridge University Boat Club
The victorious Light Blue crew from this year’s Lightweight Boat Races enters BUCS as an intermediate boat to test their mettle against the wider university scene. In their fixtures earlier this year, the Cambridge crew came up short against rivals from Brookes and UL, though edged out a win against Imperial. Whether their race calibre can outweigh their size disadvantage remains to be scene, but one can remain confident that whatever conditions Nottingham throws at them, their Tideway experience will help to secure a strong and aesthetic race.
Predictions
Predicting the results of this race is fairly clear and simple. With their unmatched performance recently it will cause major upset if Brookes do not in fact take the win. Following them up as arguably the only other crew to challenge them apart from l their own B and C crews is the likes of UL which from a spectator’s aspect would be exciting to see them put in a big challenge down the course. The midpack of the A Final is what looks to be where the most upset is caused with Newcastle and Edinburgh alongside the likes of Durham and Warwick who have also achieved well recently battling it out for the bronze medal. Heading into the rest of regatta season, a notable performance here could be the essential confidence boost a crew needs to prepare them for the summer’s racing.
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