The tradition of The Fours Head has been going on since the 1950s and has only grown in popularity since it started. First held over a shorter three-mile course before being extended to the current length, it is one of few occasions throughout the year to race down the Championship course, albeit in the reverse direction.
Agecroft RC
A strong and historic club making the trip down the M6 to London, Agecroft are bow number 68 and going off first in the category. They placed second in the category in last year’s edition of the event before moving into mostly sweep categories for the summer’s racing. They will be motivated to try and go one better this year and get the win. They also already have some Tideway experience this season with both the bow and stroke man racing together at Pairs Head, placing seventh in Championship doubles.
Derby RC
Perhaps traditionally a smaller club on the UK circuit, this quad, I think, should be treated as another serious contender. Bennett and Hanks returned from their Pairs Head trip in early October in sixth (just ahead of previously mentioned Agecroft) and they will be keen to chase them down and take the win. With no entry in the event last year, it will be interesting to see how they get on in 2023.
Tideway Scullers School
A club that needs no introduction, TSS is world-renowned for producing quality crews and this boat should be no exception. With a home advantage also at play, all that is left to be seen is where this white, red and gold outfit ranks in the club’s internal rankings, and, therefore, if they have enough to take the win away from other top boats.
London Rowing Club
A club on the resurgence and keen to continue growing, LRC has got 12 boats entered with Marshall + Cowley in a composite quad, which brings their tally up to 13 entries. After winning the Wyfold Challenge Cup at HRR, this crew should feel inspired by that performance to cause an upset in this event too.
Vesta Rowing Club
More of a speculative outside prediction, Vesta are also a club on the rise. Based on the Putney embankment, it should be a proud occasion for all their athletes involved, and with the local knowledge, this could be an upset to look out for.
Prediction
I can only see this event going the way of Agecroft or Derby and I have a hunch that the latter will prevail. Scullers, London, and Vesta all make up places third to eighth in the 14-boat entry.
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