Reviews
Marlow RC vs Wycliffe ‘B’
As the two crews sped off the start line, it was Marlow Rowing Club who initially took the lead until a small steering mishap into the centre of the course gave Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club ‘B’ the opening to slightly nose in front. All along the course this race could have been anyone’s, as the leading position alternated between the two crews. As the boats flew towards the enclosures both increased their rate and added more pressure behind each stroke, Marlow dropped slightly behind here. The winners of the Championship Second Quads at National Schools’ Regatta, it was Wycliffe Junior R.C. ‘B’ who was victorious in this round.
St Edward’s School ‘A’ vs Oregon Rowing Unlimited, USA
One of the first international crews in this event, Oregon Rowing Unlimited, USA sped off the starting blocks neck and neck with St. Edward’s School ‘A’. Both crews kept glancing over at each other as they passed the halfway mark almost completely aligned. As St. Edward’s lowered their rate and Oregon shortened their strokes, it was the Americans who sped forwards in front of the enclosures. St. Edwards tried to respond to this strong move but as they were running out of water it was Oregon Rowing Unlimited, USA, who won this round.
Henley Rowing Club vs Shiplake College ‘B’
Starting as strong favourites for not just this race, but this entire event, Henley Rowing Club were neck and neck with Shiplake College ‘B’ for the first half of the course. The two boats were fighting for a spot in the quarter finals, and the sense of local rivalry was high as Shiplake pushed forwards to keep up with their opponents. As Henley started to draw out in front it became clear that the race belonged to them, and they flew towards the finish line a couple of lengths ahead of Shiplake.
Previews
Sydney RC, AUS vs Wycliffe Junior RC ‘A’
Both entering straight into the second round of racing, these crews will be raring to go for the quarter finals of this event. The Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club ‘A’ will be confident given the success of their friends in the ‘B’ crew earlier in today’s racing and the reputation of Wycliffe as being such a strong club. Their opponents, the Sydney Rowing Club, Australia, will not go down without a fight as they have travelled so far and will therefore be hoping to race the Henley Royal Regatta course multiple times. This race will be tight, and I can see Wycliffe being the winners.
Shiplake College ‘A’ vs Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club ‘B’
Following their strong performance today against Nereid Boat Club, USA, Shiplake College ‘A’ will be looking to their next race against Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club ‘B’ with confidence. Their relaxed but powerful technique led them to win comfortably, and this will fuel them in their preparation. Wycliffe’s race against Marlow Rowing Club this morning will also have given this crew a huge sense of confidence, especially after Marlow’s performance at the National Schools’ Regatta a few weeks ago where they placed second. I think it will be a very tight race with Shiplake College ‘A’ taking the win and progressing into the semi-finals.
Oregon Rowing Unlimited vs Tideway Scullers’ School
After a surprisingly close heat against St Edward’s School, the US Youth National Champions will be keen to build speed and confidence on the Henley stretch tomorrow. I feel there’s been a real fever surrounding their appearance this side of the Atlantic, actually building some fear around their potential threat to domestic favourites such as TSS and Wycliffe. Knowing Tideway have been from strength to strength this season, finalling at Henley Women’s Regatta this month, I think these crews will have similar boat speed, and thus be a close one.
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