Thursday’s racing sees the second round of the Island Challenge Trophy, with 16 crews racing across the day, the seeded boats will now have a chance to prove their position and add an extra level of competition to this event.
Reviews
R.S.V.U Okeanos, NED v Newcastle University ‘A’
This Dutch versus British matchup was a great example of how to control a race out of the blocks. The more comfortable looking crew, Newcastle, emerged out of the island with a two-thirds length lead over Okeanos and were able to extend this to a length before the barrier. From this advantage the Blue Star were able to command the race, matching boat speed to their opposition and responding to changes in rate, they were even able to add a smug pause to their stroke when passing the grandstands before crossing the line a length in front of the Dutch.
University of Pennsylvania ‘B’ v Oxford Brookes University ‘B’
Described as ‘bitter’ by the commentary team, this race was a nailbiter and featured intense, gritty rowing from both crews leading to an eventual win from the locals. It was level out of the island with Brookes gaining an eventual lead of half-a-length past Fawley, uncomfortably forcing a high rate as the Penn crew kept on applying pressure. In desperation, the Americans spun early and narrowed the margin down, but following a, somewhat tardy, response from Brookes, they crossed the line half a boat length in front of the opposition in the gutsiest fight we had seen all day
Northeastern University, USA v A.U.S.R Orca, NED
Although in a frankly uneventful race between Oxford Brookes University ‘A’ and Edinburgh University ‘A’, it’s important to note that Brookes did break the record to the Barrier and Fawley marks, in times of 1.58 and 3.19 respectively.
Previews
Durham University ‘A’ v Newcastle University ‘A’
A rivalry as old as time. Durham were 5 seconds quicker than the Blue Star, but not two weeks later Newcastle were able to sweep the Women’s Eights events at the infamous boat race of the north. Durham had a more comfortable win over Radcliffe Crew today so may be in a fresher position to take the win, confirming they’re ‘ready to race… it’s been a long time coming’. Not only will this race be close, but with emotions involved I imagine this race will start with a ‘who can get clapped out the loudest’ competition and celebrates the ever-growing women’s university rowing in Britain.
Texas University, USA v Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
Arguably the two most formidable rowing programs from opposing sides of the Atlantic, I personally thought this matchup would feature over the weekend, if not the final. Alas, the draw is the draw and instead Friday will get a chance to boast this highly contested duel. The crews have only once raced under the same conditions, at the San Diego Crew Classic. Texas posting a time of 6.40, 2 seconds slower than Brookes, to win the Collegiate Women’s Second eights, Brookes placing fourth in the Jessop-Whittier Cup Invitational. This will be one to watch.
Stanford University, USA v Oxford Brookes University ‘B’
With Stanford’s top women off on international duty or other events here at Henley Royal Regatta, the national NCAA 2v champions will race Brookes’ second crew on Friday, in what I believe will be a relatively matched pairing. The english have already fielded 3 crews in this event alone, scoring the one-two in the Women’s Intermediate Eight at BUCS regatta, their squad depth is evident, even more so after having two crews seeded in the Island Challenge Cup. With an all Brookes final on the cards, I look forward to the potential for an upset from Stanford.
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