Head of the River is finally here, marking the culmination of the winter head season. Crews will not only be battling each other but also the Tideway and its ever variable conditions. The Jackson Trophy is awarded to the fastest British club crew that does not normally row on the Thames or any of its tributaries. With clubs that qualify for this trophy travelling from all over the country and often having to invest more time and money in committing to compete at this event, the pressure to perform your best can be very high for these crews.
Tyne Amateur RC
Only a couple of weeks ago it was the women from Tyne who came out on top of the equivalent category at WEHORR, winning the Provincial Club Pennant. To do the double and also win the Jackson Trophy would be a huge achievement for the club and one that is not out of the question.
Tyne has often been boosted by former Newcastle University rowers bringing a strong platform of high level rowing and a very competitive atmosphere to the club. The Tyne also is a great river to prepare for the Tideway, with it producing similar conditions and it will be no surprise if Tyne is able to handle the conditions well if they are tricky on the day.
City of Bristol RC
City of Bristol is starting as crew 25 following a strong performance last year. This high spot may give them an advantage in avoiding the traffic and battling that often occurs in the middle of the pack. Being able to just run your own race and get that clear line can make a real difference to that final result. City of Bristol has shown some very promising recent results such as second in Open Band 1 Eights at the Head of the Trent. They May fall short of wining the Jackson Trophy but they are certainly contenders for a very strong result.
Royal Chester RC
Royal Chester is my biggest one to watch. They won at the Head of the Trent by a sizeable 17 seconds and again even more recently won the Headship at the North of England Head of the River. Based on recent results and current from if they continue this momentum they look to be favourites for this trophy.
Agecroft RC
Agecroft is another club that has promise if it gets a clear run down the track. Third at the Head of the Trent was a strong performance and then third again at the North of England Head shows that is nothing else they are consistent. It may be a cruel prediction, but it would not surprise me if they also came third here again.
Derby RC
Derby RC is an example of how the quality at even smaller rowing clubs across the country is ever growing and setting the bar ever higher. Finishing fifth at the North of England Head will be a great solid base from which to push themselves to produce a strong result this Saturday.
St. Andrew BC
St. Andrew would love to take the trophy back the Scotland. Coming all the way down from Edinburgh is a big commitment, as such this crew will be gunning for a positive result. However, while in the past St. Andrew had had some very strong crews, upon comparison to some other crews, this year they might struggle to really fight at the pointy end of this field.
Scottish Argonauts
The Scottish Argonauts has become a very successful and popular initiative supported by Scottish Rowing to give the opportunity for a crew of Scottish junior rowers the opportunity to experience the Tideway and the Head of the River. I have no doubt it will be an invaluable experience for the crew and should provide them with a great memory and encouragement to push on with their rowing further.
Prediction
For me Royal Chester looks to be clear favourites here. Their recent results have been impressive and certainly will have given them all the confidence they need. I think Tyne ARC could be in the mix as they are always a pretty strong and then City of Bristol also will be hoping that starting off quite early will give them some advantage.
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