With many student rowers now settling into their boat clubs, Fours Head is a good opportunity to show their speed in a race situation. With eight entries from five universities, this will be the first big race in their season. Last year Oxford Lightweights won over crews from Imperial College. Home crews will be expected to do especially well, having steered the course many times in order to practise the best possible line.
Oxford University Lightweight RC
Winners of this event last year, Oxford Lightweights will be seeking similar success this year. Half of the four are Boat Race veterans and raced overseas at the recent Head of the Charles Regatta, and placed 13th in a highly competitive field of lightweight coxless fours. This crew also placed third at Upper Thames Autumn Head in another strong field. Although competing against heavyweights is always hard, OUL certainly won’t be lacking race experience, or tideway experience.
University of London BC
With three incredibly strong crews entered, the University of London are clearly going in all guns blazing. Fielding members of last year’s first eight, a few former Henley RC scullers and a former Edinburgh University lightweight, these athletes, coached by Antony Smith, will be looking to compete for the win. None have raced so far this season, so they will have have to prove their speed on home water on Saturday.
Imperial College London BC
Another home club, ICBC have two crews entered. After a decent Fours Head last year, Imperial will hope for high placings, possibly helped by the home advantage. They look to have had a good intake of fast freshers, so their usual good results should be maintained.
Liverpool University BC & University of York BC
Both Liverpool and York universities each have a four entered. Hopefully they’re not feeling stiff from any long car journeys, as competition is tough in this event. These up and coming programmes will be aiming for a good row down the course and competitive times.
Prediction
Overall I predict a win for University of London ‘D’. This incredibly talented crew features four top athletes. With their combined experience, they will be the crew to beat. I expect things to be fairly tight between the other UL crews, Imperial and Oxford Lightweights.
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