The Jackson Trophy is awarded to the fastest crew that doesn’t row on the Thames or any of its tributaries. Often seeing the same crews returning year after year, the Jackson Trophy will be hotly contested amongst those who have travelled cross-country to compete at the Head of the River this year. Where the trophy will head should be of keen interest to all of those in the club rowing scene as we look for an indication of how the season might unfold and whether any of these clubs can challenge the major tideway forces.
Royal Chester RC
Holders of the Jackson Trophy from 2023, Royal Chester should be considered favourites for this event. Having beaten Agecroft RC to the title by seven seconds, they’ll be looking for a result of similar zest this time around against their formidable Northern rivals. They took the win at the North of England Head last weekend, defeating Agecroft by 14 seconds in what is surely an indicator of what to expect come Saturday. They enter this year’s Head of the River Race as clear favourites for this trophy.
Agecroft RC
Last year’s runners-up, Agecroft RC will take their annual fight to Royal Chester as they look to go one better this time. Having suffered from a decline in form over recent years, Agecroft will be desperate to make a positive start to their season. Like the Royals, Agecroft have struggled for competition throughout the head season with event after event being cancelled nationwide. As mentioned above, they did make the trip to Chester to race their rivals on opposition water, losing out on the headship. They’ll be desperate to claw back some of that deficit.
Tyne ARC
Tyne ARC are one of few clubs that have had the chance to test themselves in a racing environment this season as their home water has played host to a number of events on either side of the festive break. Despite this, I can’t help but feel as though they’ll have left these events disappointed with their results. Whilst Rutherford Head saw them firmly cup adrift from the top crews, Tyne Head saw them fall to second place by over 30 seconds. The glimmer of hope was that, in doing so, they dispatched the second eight of Durham University. Whether this is an indicator of what might be possible if things go their way, I can’t help but feel that it’ll take a minor miracle to pry the trophy away from the North West.
Prediction
This is a battle between Royal Chester and Agecroft. Though Tyne could cause an upset, it’s less likely than one of their North Western rivals taking the title. Royal Chester will be the favourites and rightfully so; they’re the reigning champions and have the pedigree to win when it matters most. Looking to build upon their successes last season, I expect that they’ll have too much for Agecroft on the day.
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