The Fours Head of the River 2023 – Open Academic Coxed Fours Preview

Fours Head is the first opportunity of the season for most university clubs to race against their national competition. Taking to the tideway, most universities will be looking to brush off what cobwebs remain and return to their best in what is one of the most challenging categories of this event; the coxed fours. 

Cambridge University BC

Cambridge University BC are the reigning champions of this event where they achieved two of the top four positions. Being one of the most prestigious programmes in the country, Cambridge will be looking to retain their title and take the top spot once more. Consistency is key for Cambridge and continually competing at the highest levels, in preparation for the boat race, will be a priority of theirs. 

Imperial College BC

Last season Imperial College BC were the closest challengers of Cambridge. With the tideway being their home waters, Imperial College will be hoping for a better return this time around. Finishing 2nd in the B Final at the Metropolitan Regatta and making the semi-finals in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup, Imperial have the capability to produce some of the fastest boats in this category. For this reason, their strength and opposition to Cambridge cannot be underestimated. 

University of York BC

The University of York is one of the up and coming programs in University rowing. Having qualified for the Temple Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta last season, this crew, led by captain Wagner, will be looking to continue their successes. The last time this crew took to the tideway at the Head of the River they won the medium academic pennant beating stiff competition from their northern rivals Lancaster University. Though a smaller programme, York will be looking to challenge at the top table of university rowing at each event they enter this season. 

Prediction

Cambridge and Imperial College are two evenly matched crews and calling this race is virtually impossible. Home advantage will always be favourable for Imperial College, which could be the difference in this battle. The University of York are the outsider in this race and shouldn’t be able to compete with two programmes of this magnitude. Success for them will be coming a close third and fighting for another pennant on the tideway. 

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Ryan Winterbottom

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