On a day that started with drama ( disqualification of Melbourne in the third race of the day) all eyes were on the Henley course, waiting to see if the rest of the racing would deliver the kind of dramatics that we have come to know and love. The PA did not disappoint, and its looking like it will be a great event as we move forward into the rest of the week.
University College Dublin v University of Virginia, USA
The Irish national champions had to fight their way through qualification on Friday and drew one of the more surprised pre-qualified crews, Virginia. As we haven’t seen these particular Americans on the course, there was some anticipation preceding this race. They seemed almost perfectly matched coming off the start, with the orange of Virginia always staying in touch with the boys from Dublin through the first markers. But by Remenham, the lead was clearly in the hands of UCD, rowing confidently and convincingly all the way through to the line. It was another loss for University of Virginia, who had a disappointing morning.
Imperial College London v E.S.R Theta, NED
ICL have stacked this event with their top athletes, over the Temple, and have a tough race first thing. The Dutch crew from Theta, who also pre-qualified, were not going to go out without a fight and did what most underdog crews would do, push them hard off the start. They were level, until the Barrier when Imperial found their rhythm to pull away. The Dutch didn’t let off and never let the Imperial crew get too relaxed, closing the gap as they came past the enclosures.
G.S.R Aegir, NED v Colgate University, USA
Another story from today of an American university sending over two crews and losing both on the first day, this time it was G.S.R Aegir from the Netherlands who saw off the crew from Colgate in a convincing win. They had a length and a half lead after the end of the island, which usually only means one thing (crab or boom clash aside) and as the race progressed they proved that sometimes there isn’t an exception to the rule. Aegir walked away with the win, and progress to another day in this iconic regatta.
Edinburgh University v U.S.R Triton, NED
The smooth Triton coxed four were rowing at rate 44, and making it look easy. By the Barrier they had a one length lead, but ever the fighters, the baby blue army from Edinburgh were working had to chase them down, not letting their rate drop off the start. They kept their cool, staying in touch with the Dutch crew for as long as they could and started to slowly pull back the lead, so it had been reduced to 3/4 of a length by the enclosures. Against the backdrop of the packed grandstand, Edinburgh fought right down to the final moment and gave Triton a run for their money by almost completely closing that gap. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough and the crew from the Netherlands advanced through to the next round.
Previews
G.S.R Aegir, NED vs Imperial College London
One of the best match-ups in this category, we see the ever successful crew from Aegir go up against one of the UKs finest coxed fours. Both crews had comfortable wins, although the ICL did not get to paddle through and they will surely have to fight their way through this round as Aegir looked very strong today. The English of course were victorious in this event in 2018, having loaded this year’s talent into the four, they do have the experience and support behind them to triumph.
U.S.R Triton, NED v Oxford Brookes University
One word for this race- punchy. Based on the reputations and previous performances this is set up to be one of the ones to watch tomorrow. Brookes are the holders of this trophy and will be desperate to hold on to the title, Triton may get in their way. If the Dutch can recover from their competitive race against Edinburgh and row in the same gutsy way, there could be an upset tomorrow and we could see the Brookes crew going home without a chance at that trophy.
Adams House, Harvard Univ., USA v Brown Univ., USA
Both crews had easy races today, relaxing their rate and power in the race. With both of them having reserved energy for this race, they will both be ready to attack in this race. Though this Harvard boat has lots of racing experience in the Harvard squad, I predict Brown to win due to the experience this boat has had racing together at Marlow Regatta.
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