This year this event is comprised of only two programmes, with Reading University making up five of the six entries and Imperial College London entering only one crew. Due to having a programme orientated exclusively around sculling, Reading always field strong crews in this event each year at Fours Head.
Reading University ‘A’
Reading’s top boat of this event includes O. Dix, L. Powell, a crew which contains a mix of experience and youth. Dix finished eighth in the men’s double category at the 2019 Under 23 European Championships, whereas Powell reached the Friday at Henley Royal Regatta in the Fawley Challenge Cup racing for Lea Rowing Club as well as placing third at Metropolitan Regatta 2021, in the Championship Quad event alongside Dix.
Imperial College ‘H’
Imperial’s sole representation in this event will be starting second behind Reading’s ‘A’ boat, the crew of staring O. Ben Gacem and F. Bannister will be looking to finish the day on the top spot. This is something that’s certainly possible, Imperial has built up some considerable momentum in the past few years going from strength to strength, reaching the final of the Temple Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta this year as well as picking up medals across numerous categories at BUCS regatta, demonstrating the depth they have across their programme coached by Peter Hardcastle.
Reading University ‘B’
Reading’s second boat will most likely finish behind their ‘A’ boat, however upsets happen all the time, especially on an stretch like the Tideway where steering can make such as big difference. Headed by J. Parrington and T. Purkess, the crew will be hoping for such good fortune when they line up against their ‘A’ crew and Imperial on Saturday. This crew is highly experienced, with Purkess being in his third year at Reading and Holborugh racing in the ‘B’ crew last year, therefore the Reading coaches of Charlotte Taylor and Will Rand will be hoping for a 1-2 in this event to try and get two crews ahead of Imperial, if not more.
Prediction
I predict that Reading’s ‘A’ crew will claim the top spot in the Open Academic Quads event, however I could see either Imperial or the Reading ‘B’ crew being the runner up. However, if I had to place my bets on one crew it would Imperial, closely followed by Reading ‘B’ in third.
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