Review
Race 48 York City v Claires Court
Thunder and lightning greeted the commencement of the York-Claires Court clash. The former crew were dominant from the Island, even in the persistent storm, perhaps assisted by nervous steering from the York City crew, who remained technical in spite of challenges from conditions and pressure.
Race 52 Henley v Warrington
As a j16 boat, the capabilities of the Henley crew were misjudged. Despite the strength of the Warrington crew, Henley gained an early lead off the Barrier, from where they were able to sit on their opposition and control the tight, quick contest. The Steward’s racing description explained how Henley were able to hold a lead, despite underrating their counterparts and that Warrington ‘appeared to be having problems with Stroke side Blades’
Race 69 Sir William Perkins v Lea
When the grey sky cleared, the sun shone down on a dramatic Lea row-through, which saw the crews closely edge each other down the course. With both boats frequently in excess of rate 37, although an easier feat in a reduced headwind, the final push by Lea was timed with perfection, spinning the hands at the 1 mile mark and finally establishing a decisive margin over the Perkins crew.
Race 76 Marlow Rowing Club v TSS
While the crowds dissipated, a shocking turnover occurred in the penultimate race of the Diamond Jubilee. The Tideway Sculler School crew, who had to race qualifiers, beat the top seeded crew Marlow. Despite leading by a canvas until Remenham, the TSS boat found rhythm in a punchy, high-rate stroke speed, while the Marlow crew relied more so on power. The final verdict measured a Length and 1/2 over Marlow, who I personally marked out as victors of the 2022 event following their Victory at NSR.
Races 59 and 80 saw direct and simple races with little upset mid-race.
Preview
After a brief hiatus, the Diamond Jubilee proved a relatively straight forward event on the third day of Henley Royal Regatta 2022. I hope, considering the draw for some more exciting matchups: firstly Henley and Wycliffe will re-enact the Henley Women’s Regatta semi-final, where Henley saw a loss by ¼ of Length, I suggest the extra 612m of home water will advantage the Henley crew and give them more of an opportunity for a row-through.
Equally, Claires Court and Trentham will be a close matchup, with the latter having not properly raced in the bigger boat class, but producing some seriously impressive results in Knight’s single and the Whelehan-Punchard Double. The Claires Court were able to set a shocking president when medalling third in the Sheriff Cup at NSR, so in balance I cannot predict a clear winner.
Surprise victors will go on to race Redwood Scullers, an interesting race given little is known on the maximum speed of the US boat.
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