Intermediate categories at BUCS Regatta are an amazing opportunity for smaller scale programmes to compete against larger programs on a slightly more even platform, producing some very tight and entertaining racing.
Due to entries not yet being released, this information is taken from the BUCS Play application and is to be taken with a grain of salt. However, we can still get a solid idea of who the main contenders are for that top position and what we may expect to see.
Oxford Brookes University Boat Club
A name that needs no introduction, Brookes has been the gold standard of rowing on a club and university level, not only within the country but also worldwide. Placing four crews in the top eight at HORR is no mean feat, and something that is bound to intimidate the entire field. However, with the added restrictions of BUCS and considering their top intermediate crew is their third overall, we are likely to see some tighter racing. With eight intermediate crews entered we can expect to see one of these on the podium, with another potentially fighting in the A final.
Cambridge University Boat Club
Another titan of the British rowing scene, but one not commonly associated with the university competition, is sure to put some ripples in this event. Cambridge’s crew, presumable akin to the eight that placed 24th at HORR just a few weeks prior, is a very strong contender in this field and one that we can expect to put up a fight for a medal position.
Newcastle University Boat Club
The fastest university second eight at HORR (barring Brookes), big things seem to be brewing in the ranks of NUBC. Under Angelo Savarino’s supervision, the brutal but evidently effective training programme produces some impressive competition and squad depth, which will undoubtedly give us an exciting race on the day.
University of London Boat Club
With a phenomenal season last year, qualifying three eights for the Temple Challenge Cup, and being the current holders of the open intermediate eights at BUCS Regatta, pressure is certainly on the shoulders of London’s most successful university programme. UL, NUBC, and Edinburgh were within seven seconds of each other at HORR, and with some crew shake-ups in all three clubs’ lineups, this is certainly a category to watch.
Edinburgh University Boat Club
Pressure is on for Edinburgh University Boat Club, not only due to tight racing throughout the season but also due to competing with their Scottish rivals – Glasgow University Boat Club – on the national stage. The Hudson enthusiasts commonly take the Victor Ludorum at BUCS Regatta but often fall short at the top end of the competition. With other high-performance programs having a slightly lacklustre year, could this be the time that EUBC takes home some silverware?
Glasgow University Boat Club
Placing seven seconds behind EUBC at HORR, GUBC will be looking to close the gap to their rivals, and hopefully reverse the result. The only club considered here that isn’t a British Rowing High-Performance Academy, the underdogs are looking to show us how capable they are of competing with the best.
Notable mentions
Durham University Boat Club, Imperial College Boat Club, and a host of other clubs are sure to be tough competition in this event, with the last few seasons being quite hopeful. Bristol, Exeter, and Nottingham will also be competitors for the top ten of this category.
Prediction
The last few years have shown us that there are hosts of clubs capable of competing with Brookes, however, with the results this season has shown it looks like Brookes will take home gold, with Cambridge stealing silver from the likes of Newcastle and UL who I believe will be fighting for bronze.
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