Direct from the press barge, we had the joy of seeing 16 heats kick off this year’s battle for the Temple Challenge Cup. Alongside domestic household names, this year’s roster is packed with international representation, mainly from the US, who have already begun to make their mark on the Regatta. We have had a handful of tight finishes and upsets so far, with a few highlights summarised below in order as they happened.
Reviews
Oxford Brookes University ‘C’ v University of Virginia, USA
It’s safe to say that Virginia were viewed as the underdogs ahead of this heat, partly due to the dismissive attitude held over US club programmes versus the collegiate scene. Nevertheless, the Royal is no stranger to an unexpected result, and Virginia led Brookes from the end of the island. Despite a final surge by Brookes approaching the progress board, Virginia stood firm and claimed victory on the line by two thirds of a length, but may suffer tired legs against A.S.R. Nereus ‘A’ in the next round.
University of London ‘A’ v Syracuse University, USA
While London were quicker out of the blocks, they were kept at a mere three-quarter length disadvantage for the majority of their contest, with Syracuse looking more comfortable on the increasingly rough water. All was not entirely lost for London just yet, as they visibly threw everything at it and took the rate up to 42. Steering was left seemingly to the wind but they managed to reduce their margin to half a length. Alas, UL’s efforts came too late as Syracuse crossed the line with one of the tightest margins of the morning.
Colgate University, USA v Imperial College London
The press barge couldn’t call an outcome for this race and it did not disappoint. At the Quarter Mile marker, Colgate led by no more than a canvas before edging out to a length at the barrier. Clutching on to their lead, a bold steering decision by Colgate at the Fawley left the Umpire’s feathers ruffled, with not one but three warnings issued. Imperial capitalised on this opportunity with gusto and closed the gap to a canvas, but the threat of Imperial blue was met with an explosive three-pip rate increase by their American adversaries. A final warning for Colgate was issued for good measure at the grandstand, but by that point they had sealed the deal, victorious by a three-quarter-length margin.
University of London ‘B’ v Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
Looking to defend their title, Brookes ‘A’ came into this week among the favourites on everybody’s minds. They started their campaign in style today, cruising across the line to progress, where they will face Princeton ‘B’. Take nothing away from UL’s ‘B’ crew, they threw it all at Brookes and rowed well against British favourites.
Princeton University ‘B’, USA v Newcastle University
Princeton’s heavy-and-lightweight combo showed that there’s still ample power in a ‘B’ crew, with a one-length win over Newcastle. Half of Newcastle’s top eight transferred into the Prince Albert this year, but the Temple Blue Star boys dug deep, and a Princeton victory was by no means guaranteed. Neck and neck at the end of the island, Princeton edged out at the barrier, striking rate 38 and extending their lead to half a length. The remainder of the race continued on this trajectory, confirming a second Princeton spot in the next phase.
Edinburgh University ‘B’ v Durham University ‘A’
Testament to squad depth and their resurgence to a dominant force in British student rowing under Head Coach Rob Dauncey, Durham are back for another crack at the Temple. Although impressive for all three of Durham’s eights to qualify this week, given that their ‘B’ and ‘C’ crews were both ‘Tuesday’d’ before lunch, the Palatinate’s chances of lifting the Cup now solely fall into the hands of their ‘A’ crew. Coming away from an emphatic victory over Edinburgh’s ‘B’ crew today, they edge ever-closer to painting the town purple. They face Cornell University next.
Previews
Syracuse University, USA v Colgate University, USA
It will be an all-American showdown between these two universities tomorrow. Syracuse posted the fastest time of Tuesday at 6.22 with river conditions on their side, dispatching UL’s premier crew in their wake. I have no doubt that Colgate will put up a good fight, but Syracuse will be going into this race confident that they will progress.
Princeton University ‘B’, USA v Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
Two stacked crews from opposite sides of the Atlantic will make for a Wednesday battle that perhaps ought to be taking place later in the week. Princeton had a slightly more stressful progression from today against Newcastle, but still came away one second ahead of Brookes ‘A’, with a finish time of 6.42. Speaking of parity, both crews are pretty evenly matched in terms of national successes so far this season, this promises to be a high-octane one.
University of Bristol ‘A’ v Oxford Brookes University ‘B’
With Bristol posting a quicker finish time than Brookes ‘B’ today, this could make for an interesting match-up. Brookes certainly had the easier first run down the track against University of York, compared to Bristol’s one-and-three-quarter-length lead over their own ‘B’ crew, so will be coming into this with fresher legs. What’s more, Brookes came away with bronze at BUCS Regatta, while Bristol took sixth in the A final. Can Bristol close the gap? I can’t wait to find out.
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