It’s that time of year again when we get to see the results of the hard work many universities have put in this season so far. With countless cancelled races, the racing field will be looking to lay down a marker heading into the summer regatta season. This year, BUCS regatta have removed many semi-finals, putting an even greater emphasis on performance in the time trial to secure a spot in the major finals.
Oxford Brookes
The winners and runners up of this event last year, Oxford Brookes will be looking to assert their dominance yet again. This current season, we look back at previous and recent races to determine the likely performance of each squad. For instance, Brookes ‘C’ finished 11th at WEHORR and is likely to make an appearance in this intermediate category. Following this, Brookes ‘D’ finished 33rd which puts that crew in and amongst those fighting for a spot in the A final.
University of London
The University of London, more commonly known as ‘UL’, recruit from multiple London universities and maintain a high-level performance programme as shown by the ‘B’ boat finishing fifth at Hammersmith Head earlier this year. This is the boat most likely to be entered into this category, but with the potential for crew changes their 24th place finish at WEHORR, this crew will be aiming to secure a spot in the A final on Sunday.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh University so far this season hold the gold in this event from their incredible performance at BUCS Head back in February. Following this, two weeks later, they placed 16th at WEHORR. Further confirming their ability to step up and produce a good result when needed.
Durham
Another one of the Universities involved in the northern rivalry is Durham. Placing second at BUCS Head, just behind Edinburgh, and 31st at WEHORR suggests they will be aiming to change the narrative and come out on top over the 2km course. It is yet to be seen which crew is better suited to the regatta distance.
Newcastle
Following on, Newcastle University rounded out the medal table at BUCS Head with a third-place finish, and two weeks later 35th at WEHORR. These results further cement the proximity of the fight for the top spots. With even more pressure on the time trial with this year’s new racing format, Newcastle’s crews will be leaving everything out on the course to get the best possible position in the finals.
Glasgow
Next on the list of ones to watch is another Northern University, Glasgow. With a fourth place finish at BUCS Head, Glasgow will be looking to chase down the previously mentioned crews and secure their spot in the A final. Also, by finishing 28th at WEHORR, this crew have proven they can perform over a longer distance on the Tideway course yet can this be replicated over the shorter distance.
Exeter
The University of Exeter ‘B’ boat rounded off the top five at BUCS Head with their ‘A’ boat in the championship category. Based on time, in the intermediate category where both of these crews are now racing, the ‘A’ boat would have placed fifth, pushing ‘B’ to sixth. Following this, at WEHORR ‘A’ finished 34th and ‘C’ beat ‘B’ to finish 60th with a win in the Challenge Academic category, highlighting the impressive strength and depth of this squad. Suggesting both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ boats will be challenging for spots in the major finals and looking to secure promising results heading into regatta season.
Bristol
Another Southwestern university, Bristol will be looking to challenge Exeter with a 36th finish at WEHORR for their A boat, and 51st finish for their B boat. We’ve seen this rivalry heat up over previous years, so there will be a focus between the crews as to which will come out on top.
Birmingham
With a 43rd finish at WEHORR, Birmingham could very well gain a spot in the B final and will be fighting to make an impact within a field of top university intermediate crews.
Cambridge University
Finally, Cambridge University are (much like their dark blue rivals) sending multiple crews to BUCS in hopes of achieving success. With Cambridge fielding their Blue boat in the championship category, this leaves an element of uncertainty as to who will make up the remaining seats in this category. There is potential for the other Boat Race athletes to make an appearance throughout the weekend as many university colleges from both Oxford and Cambridge have sent boats in the past. As a result, all of the entered crews are currently unknown, adding to the potential for some surprises.
Predictions
Based on previous results this season and last, I would be expecting Brookes to dominate in the medals this year. However, London and the collection of Northern Universities will be well in the mix vying for those top spots in the A final. Following this, I anticipate the B final will have some of the closest and most exciting racing to watch with Exeter and Bristol fighting it out with those who just miss out on the A final. All crews will be leaving everything out on the course to find their place in what is looking like a very promising summer of racing for women’s university eights.
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