Today brought the debut of the student women’s eights, with six heats in total, and they certainly did not disappoint. Let’s have a look at some of the highlights.
Reviews
Syracuse University v Oxford Brookes University ‘C’
This certainly set the tone for what’s to come in the Island Challenge Cup. Off the start, the crews appeared evenly matched, with Syracuse clutching onto a lead of three feet by the end of the island. However, unlike the Syracuse men dispatching University of London yesterday, the Syracuse women were not afforded their turn to knock out Brookes ‘C’. A questionable line from the Americans opened up the opportunity for Brookes, who rowed through and reclaimed half a length. A valiant effort from the Americans was no match for the burgundy army.
University of London ‘A’ v Edinburgh University ‘A’
Chatter in the press box prevailed in anticipation of two of the UK’s top crews battling it out once again, with both parties regularly featuring in BUCS’ eights finals, 10 seconds separating earlier this season. Things got off to a punchy start, both crews level at the end of the island, scarcely letting even a canvas lead from either crew, who were both striking in the high thirties until the Scottish crew managed to score a length over their counterparts. I believe there was a large mental factor to this race, Edinburgh were visibly the more comfortable crew and were hugely commanding over the middle kilometre. However, UL were able to gain some ground going into the enclosures, but their efforts came too late.
Newcastle University ‘A’ v Princeton University
After their men’s Temple eight were bested by Princeton yesterday, Newcastle’s women had vindication on their minds and certainly put that into practice. The blue star ladies did themselves and their club proud today, advancing to the next phase with a win over Princeton by one and a half lengths.
Previews
Radcliffe Crew ‘A’ v Durham University ‘A’
Tomorrow will see the Harvard Radcliffe crew face seeded crew Durham University, who earned their position following a succession of strong results. After their Temple men were pushed right to the line in a race that went the way of Cornell University by a brutal three feet, the women will be hungry to redress the balance and dominate Radcliffe. Durham were 12th overall at Women’s Head of the River and third in the Championship Women’s Eight at BUCS Regatta. Having not raced this year at NCAAs, it will be hard to gauge how Radcliffe will fare against the Palatinate ladies. I look forward to seeing what will unfold.
Edinburgh University ‘A’ v Oxford Brookes ‘A’
While Brookes go into this as favourites, not least down to the fact they had a bye into this race, it would be a foolish mistake to assume that Edinburgh will allow them a painless run down the track.
Oxford University v Stanford University, USA
The Americans will be feeling confident and well-rested ahead of this match, as they come in as one of the favourites to lift the Cup after a stellar NCAA showing in May. That being said, this Oxford contingent contains a number of this year’s Blue Boat athletes, so I’m sure they won’t go down without a fight.
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