Fours Head is fast approaching. For many clubs, this will be the first big head race, and the first chance to show their speed. With a large number of entries (35), the Open Club Coxless Four looks to be a hotly contested event. Last year, London RC took the win with Tideway Scullers coming in with a close second place.
Thames RC
Arguably the fastest club in the UK bar Leander, Thames RC have one entry in this category. They will certainly be looking to take the win, with a lineup which includes linchpins of crews past. After not entering last year, Thames will be out for blood.
London RC
If squad depth is anything to go by, hosts of Putney Embankment’s best Fours Head parties London RC will be sending some fast crews down the Championship Course come race day. Last year’s winners have entered three crews; it appears all three will be vying to beat each other to the title of ‘fastest LRC coxless four’. Home to now-Tideway-legend Rui Xu, LRC will be hoping to see his success trickle down into club sweep boats.
Molesey BC
Always one to watch, Molesey will be a fast crew. After winning the Thames Cup at Henley last year, Head Coach Franz Imfeld will be expecting the boat to perform well.
Upper Thames RC
Upper Thames have one entry in this category. They currently have a strong squad, and will be looking to place high up in the rankings. After having a successful Henley Royal last year in both coxed and coxless fours, they will be aiming to step on and see what they can achieve this season. They also placed second and fifth at Upper Thames Autumn Head, so have some good race experience so far this season.
Taurus BC
The Taurus crew looks to be a collection of some of Oxford Brookes finest former oarsmen. With the complete crew being multiple-time Henley winners, this should be an incredibly fast four. However, they may not currently have the sky-high fitness levels they once had. If they have been training well, I can see them easily taking the win.
Vesta RC
With three entries and on home water, Vesta will know the course inside out, and will (hopefully) be able to steer a great line. They have been building their competitive squad in recent years, and these boats will be expecting to perform fairly well.
Derby RC
My wildcard crew is Derby RC. They currently have some strong individual rowers, and produced a particularly fast four at HRR. The question is, have they kept up the momentum enough to be able to challenge for the win on Saturday?
Prediction
Overall, I predict a win for Taurus BC. The sheer talent in the boat is hard to ignore, as well as bucket loads of experience. However, Thames RC will have something to say about it, and crews from London, Molesey and Upper Thames should place highly, with the home crews faring particularly well.
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