As it is one of the last big head races before the all-important tideway heads in March, Hammersmith Head is a key part of the preparation for many of the crews racing this weekend. Covering just under 4.5k m from the boat race finish to Hammersmith Bridge, over 300 crews will take to this famous stretch of river aiming for the fastest time possible. Not many crews will be faster than the thirteen intermediate men’s eights entered, and with a good mix of club and university boats, it proves to be an exciting battle.
Vesta Rowing Club
A club with over 150 years of rowing history, Vesta RC have showed up in large numbers to Hammersmith Head. They have their second and third eight entered in this event, both of which have had strong results over past races. The 2nd eight finished 24th at Quintin Head (including a 10s penalty) and placed well into the mix alongside crews entered in higher categories. Being based on the Putney embankment, their good knowledge of the tideway gives them an advantage over other boats, and puts the second eight as one of the favourites for this event.
Molesey Boat Club
With many of their rowers going on to become Olympians, Molesey BC are another club with an illustrious history. With their first eight entered in the championship category this weekend, their second eight will be looking to lay down a marker in the intermediate eights. With so much racing before Christmas being cancelled, their speed is relatively unknown. Molesey secured a 1-2-3 finish (by over 40s) at Teddington Head in November, and the second eight came 12th at the Remenham Challenge. However, they did beat the Vesta RC first eight at the Remenham Challenge, showing they have some good speed compared to their competition this weekend. With this in mind, they should be involved in a tight battle for the win.
University of London Boat Club
Choosing to attend Hammersmith Head on their home river over travelling to Newcastle for BUCS head, University of London BC have a strong entry for Sundays race. We may not know their speed compared to other universities, but they seem to have some quick crews this year. Their second eight, entered in this event, won the Open inter 1 Eights at Quintin Head a few weeks ago, finishing 29th overall. They were only 12s behind the Vesta B crew also entered in this category, and will look to close that gap this weekend.
Tideway Scullers School Boat Club
Setting off first in this event, Tideway Scullers bring a strong eight to Hammersmith Head. Entered under the name ‘Joss’- who is the TSS captain this year, and has represented GB at U19 level, this crew should be one stacked with talent. Finishing 25th at Quintin Head and winning the inter 1 eights, before being disqualified (incidentally handing the win to their opposition, the UL 2nd eight racing here) was a strong start to the season. They will look to build on that result this weekend.
Notable Mentions
City of Cambridge BC are sending their first and second eights this weekend. Both posted respectable results at Quintin Head but could be a little off the pace of the winning crew. Exeter University BC ventures to the tideway for the first time this season, aiming to gain experience before HORR. They had a strong race at Bristol Head before Christmas, finishing 4th overall behind two Leander eights and the University of Bristol 1st eight. The Bedford School 2nd eight is also entered here. At Quintin Head, they were well in the mix with many other of the top school second and third eights, and will look to gain more speed on Sunday.
Prediction
I think Molesey will have too much power for the other boats and will take home the win. It will be a much tighter affair for the minor placings, mainly between the Vesta “B”, UL “B” and Tideway Scullers. In the end Tideway Scullers will just take second, with UL “B” pipping Vesta for third.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
