Reviews
University of Washington, USA v Imperial College London
The semi-finals began with the Huskies lining up against the boys from Imperial. In a race that I expected to be a clean husky win: it was exactly that. Washington had an almost immediate lead, by the end of the island they had one length on their British competition and it only continued to increase. It was a decisive two boat lengths as they passed the Barrier, at which point it was clear who was going to guarantee their spot in the final on Sunday. Imperial pushed as hard as they could, but they were no match for the impeccable rhythm of the Americans, who looked very relaxed as they came through the finish in the top spot.
Oxford Brookes University v Adams House, Harvard University, USA
Adams did what everyone would do when they matchup against brookes, they went out hard and managed to take an early lead. They gave that iconic first 250m, through the island and out the otherside everything and it was a brave start to a long race. But Brookes did what Brookes do best, they kept a clear head, rowed like machines and ate up the lead of the Americans. By the Barrier they had seen off the early surge from Adam’s House and then began to stretch out. They looked confident, relaxed and proved to everyone watching why they won this event last year. To Adam’s house’s credit, there was no paddling from their opposition, Brookes rowed past the enclosures at rate 33, albeit a relaxed 33. Oxford Brookes neatly clinched their spot in the final of this event.
Final Preview
University of Washington, USA v Oxford Brookes
Sunday will see this exciting match up, with the current trophy holders, Brookes, taking on the Huskies. Throughout the competition there has been somewhat of an expectation that the final would look a little like this, with Washington and Brookes looking like the dominant crews in all their races. They’ve had similar experiences throughout the rounds, neither crew ever really looking two stressed about their ability to see off their competition and this gives me hope that this final will be a good one. It is however undeniable that the prowess and reputation of this Brookes crew does make it look like the race will swing in their favour, but there is hope for the crew from Washington, despite not being made up from the 1v they have looked very impressive this regatta. It does still look as if it will be a title retention rather than an American takeover, and I would be surprised if the trophy didn’t spend another year in the hands of Oxford Brookes.
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