Fours Head marks is the first chance in the season to see which clubs to keep a close eye on over the course of the year. One of the most exciting categories of racing to watch for the past few years has been university coxed fours with smaller clubs being able to really challenge much larger and more established rowing programs.
Imperial College London BC
On home waters Imperial will be wanting to make a strong showing here. Coming second last year was a decent result but for sure they will be aiming for a win in this category. Imperial has two crews entered so likely there will be an element of them being matched so there is certainly a chance for other clubs more heavily targeting this event to spoil their hopes of a win.
Exeter University BC
Exeter is another club with multiple crews entered. A club which has often put out very fast fours it will certainly be interesting to see how fast these crews are as likely that will give some indication of the strength of squad Exeter has for this season.
University of London BC
Local rivals of Imperial on the Tideway, UL has only one crew entered into this category. With their top men in championship events and two academic coxless fours, if this boat goes fast, it will be a clear sign of the strength in depth that UL has. Certainly, on a course where knowing the river well can be such an advantage, there is all the chance that UL will be fighting at the front.
Southampton University BC
Southampton has been building momentum as a club over the past few years with some strong results particularly in fours over past seasons. Three coxed fours entered sure shows their intent to produce a strong result here and a chance to surprise some of the larger clubs like Imperial.
Cambridge University BC
It is no surprise that where there is a chance to get some experience of the Tideway that Cambridge would jump at the chance. While the top men aiming for the Blue Boat will be entered in championship, here will be some of the Goldie and development guys who will certainly be keen to impress as crew selection will loom quickly as we approach Christmas.
Oxford University BC
And of course, where we see Cambridge there is also Oxford. While it goes without saying that just like Cambridge a win here would be a clear aim both clubs would almost for certain settle to just beat on another.
Oxford University Lightweight RC
Oxford Lightweights have also entered a crew here and while often lightweights can struggle particularly in head season when the conditions can be rougher the lightweights have previously produced some impress results. Third in this category last year was a great result and one that I am sure they would be happy to repeat
Prediction
I am going to predict that Imperial will take the win on home waters. I am though also going to suggest a very strong second possibly from Cambridge and third from Exeter. Ultimately the Tideway can produce some very unexpected results particularly if conditions are tricky and of course dealing with overtaking slower crews efficiently can be crucial if you are going to win in such a tight field.
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