Prince Albert Challenge Cup
University of Washington, USA v Oxford Brookes
It was a race of moves and counter moves in the opening final of Henley Royal Regatta 2023. The P.A. has been a story of domination from Washington and Brookes over the week, leading to some comfortable wins from both crews and we had to wonder if we would see a close race from this category at all. It became clear from the moment the flag dropped that we were in for a treat. Washington knew exactly what they had to do in order to have the best chance at winning this event, go out quickly and fight for that early lead. They started off with a canvas, then extended that to two feet, but the furthest they managed to move was half a length. Brookes stayed calm, not ever letting their opposition get out of reach and trusted completely in their race plan. They pushed on, Washington pushed back. By the mile post, the crews were level. This was all Brookes needed, the foot went onto the accelerator and they flew away. After a gutsy and admirable race from the Huskies, Brookes ended up coming through the line one and three quarter lengths ahead to retain the title.
Island Challenge Cup
Oxford Brookes Univeristy ‘A’ v University of Pennsylvania, USA
Two down, one to go. There was a sense of anticipation as the final student crew from Brookes lined up at the start, made all the more intense by the hoards of Brookes supporters that were filling the boating area and the wall of noise that could be heard whenever they crossed the line first. Could this American crew be the only ones to turn over Brookes? They certainly tried, and took a surprising two foot lead immediately coming away from the island, a lead they maintained as they stormed down the course, and as markers came and went that slight lead stayed consistent. Then Brookes started to move, hunting down the UPenn boat with composure and snatched back the lead in time for the roaring crowds to watch from the enclosures. Half a length became a quarter of length, as UPenn launched a last ditch attempt to pull back on Brookes. It wasn’t enough, the Brookes women stayed ahead and made sure to clinch their university the final win they needed.
Temple Challenge Cup
Oxford Brookes v Syracuse University, USA
This is becoming a familiar sight, watching Oxford Brookes line up next to an American visitor. This time, it’s the bright orange of Syracuse hoping to ruin the chance for Brookes to win every student event at the Regatta this year. The now familiar double bucket from Syracuse had to explode out of the blocks if they wanted to have a chance at gaining on their opposition, and they did just that. The two crews were level coming off the island, but it didn’t take long from Brookes to find their formidable rhythm and settle down into the commanding role in this race. They were relentless, every stroke taking another inch or two out of the Americans, until they reached a one length lead at Remenham. Syracuse fought hard not letting the clear water pull their focus, and stayed in touch with Brookes as long as they could. The one length lead remained unchanged, even as they rowed past the enclosures and that was exactly how they crossed the line.
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