Reviews
Headington School v Greenwich Crew USA
A nail-biter of a race from start to finish saw Headington lead off the start, quickly settling into a lower stroke rate than Greenwich. However, Greenwich settled into an impressive high-rate rhythm to walk back on Henley and just push past the British national champions. Headington, keeping their cool, maintained overlap with the Americans for the majority of the race. Past the spectators, a push from Headington saw the crews draw level, producing some thrilling racing for the spectators in the enclosures. Nevertheless, a last minute gear change from Greenwich saw them cruise over the line ahead of Headington to ensure an all-USA final.
Deerfield Academy, USA v Winter Park Crew, USA
A strong showing from Deerfield Academy powered them on to beating many people’s favourite for this event from start to finish. A punchy start from Deerfield bought them a length of a canvas over the hotly-tipped Winter Park crew. With nothing to lose, Deerfield went from strength to strength, maximising the drive phase and continuously holding Winter Park just behind them. Winter Park went for last minute push but did not have enough left to reel Deerfield back into their grasp and they were left just one length short at the line.
Final
Deerfield Academy USA v Greenwich Crew USA
With two heavyweights in Winter Park and Headington knocked out in the semi-finals, this combination in the final is perhaps unexpected but certainly not undeserved. Both crews pushed their opposition to the max to claim these places in the final and I expect an almost photo finish between the two underdogs tomorrow. An all-American final ensures this trophy is going across the Atlantic, but to which crew is yet to be decided.
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