The Jackson Trophy is contested for exclusively by clubs located outside of the Thames basin. Every year it produces exciting racing from clubs that typically don’t get the limelight of the larger Thames clubs with their bigger squad sizes. Similarly to the Vernon Trophy, clubs competing in this category will be looking to make their name known for the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta this summer.
Agecroft RC
Agecroft are perennial challengers in this category and finished 21st overall in 2019. After a disappointing 2021 season, culminating in being knocked out on Wednesday of the Thames Challenge Cup, Agecroft will be looking to bring the Jackson trophy back to the North this weekend against a competitive field and attempt to build some momentum for this season.
City of Bristol RC
Finishing fourth in The Jackson Trophy back in 2019 and reaching day three at Henley Royal Regatta last year in the Thames Challenge Cup, City of Bristol have been making their name known as one of the best non-Thames basin clubs in the UK. After a strong 2021 season that will have undoubtedly attracted some new club athletes looking to do well at the likes of Head of the River and Henley Royal Regatta, it’ll be interesting to see what form Bristol can bring to the Jackson Trophy this weekend.
Tyne ARC
Another Northern crew that I could easily see doing well this weekend is Tyne ARC. They won the Jackson Trophy in 2019 and had an incredibly close race with Molesey ‘B’ in the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley last year to match a strong showing in their women’s squad who reached the semi-final of the Wargrave Challenge Cup. Having depth is vital for a club to be able to move up the time sheets at Head of the River year on year and this is something I certainly believe Tyne are capable of.
Nottingham RC
Since they finished 15th in the Jackson Trophy back in 2019, the Nottingham men’s programme have gathered some serious momentum, culminating in reaching the semi-final of the Britannia Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta last year. I would certainly expect them to break into the top ten in this event this year and continue this upward trajectory into the 2022 regatta season.
Prediction
After a strong performance at Henley last year, City of Bristol should be among the frontrunners in this event, whilst Agecroft will look to regain some form to defend their title. If I had to put my money on one it would be Agecroft taking the win, followed by City of Bristol and then Nottingham rounding out the top three of the Jackson Trophy.
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