Once again, we are back on the Tideway with some strong competition in the Women’s Championship Coxed Fours. In total we have five clubs putting in a total of eleven crews, showing some incredible depth of squads, particularly academic boat clubs, coming into the winter season. Due to substitutions and crews mixing around for various races, this crew list is speculative however, if correct, could provide some interesting and strong results.
Leander Club
First out of the blocks is the Leander Club (G) crew, coxed by Morgan Baynham-Williams, collectively holds seven wins from Henley Royal Regatta this year alone in the Town Challenge Cup and the Remenham Challenge Cup. Each of these crew mates has seen international competition at World Cups and U23 World Rowing Championships.
Following closely behind is the Leander club (L) crew which includes another roster of well-regarded internationals, with each of these crew members having raced at World Championship level over the past few years. Michelle Truax of this crew hailing from Canada competed at the PanAm games and also stole a win in the Princess Grace Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta this year.
Cambridge University BC
Third off is Cambridge University (N) crew staring returning three returning blues, alongside Paige Badenhorst who, originally from the Republic of South Africa, has competed in the Junior Women’s Eight at Junior World Championships in 2016 for her home nation. Adriana alongside Caoimhe competed at BUCS regatta in Championship Pairs and Coxless Fours along with reaching the semi-finals of Henley Women’s Regatta 2021.
Seventh and eighth sees the (M) and (P) crews racing down the course, containing well-known names such as Catherine King and Miranda Clements, all having seen a competitive 2021 season. Cambridge University also round the eleven crews off with (O) and (Q) with Josh Kershaw and Maria Chukanova as Coxes.
Oxford University Women’s BC
Off fourth is Oxford University Women’s BC (A) crew containing notable crew members such as Anastasia Posner and Amelia Standing, having represented Great Britain at World Championship levels. Erin Reelick also in this boat has represented the United States of America again at world championship level, winning bronze at the World Championship and silver in World Cup II in 2019 both in the Women’s Eight.
The (B) boat is placed in the middle of the pack, being set off sixth with a handful more Boat Race returners, alongside Joe Gellett as cox. Having competed in sweep events at both BUCS and Henley Women’s Regatta this year, this crew will have experience on its side for the race.
University of Bristol BC
Fifth to be set off in the mix is the University of Bristol’s (C) crew, and their only crew in the Championship Women’s coxed fours. With Hannah Lawrie and Tiegan Ball having competed in the Women’s Intermediate Coxed Four as BUCS regatta earlier this year, setting them up with some solid experience for this crew to take on the Tideway.
Oxford Brookes University BC
Although off in ninth place, this (K) crew from Oxford Brookes University contains some strong athletes such as McKenna Simpson from Canada who raced at the 2019 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in the Women’s Coxless Four, with the previous year racing the Women’s Pair. Brenna Randall, her crew mate also from Canada, raced alongside in the 2019 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in the Women’s Coxed Four.
Predictions
A competitive crew list for this years Fours Head race. I think it’ll be a tight race but I would predict the finishing order to be the two Leander Club crews, Oxford University Women’s BC (A), Cambridge University (N) and the Oxford Brookes University four. However, I wouldn’t say anything is final until the race has been completed and results are released. Best of luck ladies!
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