Island Challenge Cup
Oxford Brookes University ‘A’ v. Newcastle University
Newcastle entered this race as significant underdogs, after winning two epics over the last few days, and one has to wonder if they were suffering from the accumulation of fatigue. This is far from ideal in facing up against the might of Oxford Brookes University, the three-time defending champions of the championship eights at BUCS Regatta and winners of two of the three runnings of this young event at Henley Royal Regatta who, other than a subpar outing on Friday, progressed through the draw with relative ease. This difference was evident very quickly, as the burgundy-clad crew jumped out to a three-quarter length lead at the quarter-mile, taking control of the race and the racecourse, sitting in the middle of the track as they would parade to their third victory in this event in just its fourth running. Newcastle, in their first final in any eight oared event at this regatta, looked rather outclassed here as they hotly chased the Brookes crew, and followed them across the line by two and a quarter lengths.
Temple Challenge Cup
Princeton University ‘A’, USA v. Oxford Brookes University ‘A’
Two of the strongest crews in this event’s history lined up in a race that turned into a battle of the coxes, as Oxford Brookes University defeated the Princeton Tigers to seal their third consecutive Temple Challenge Cup. Off the start, it was advantage to the Americans, as they edged out to a third of a length’s lead. Never easily beaten, the Brookes crew responded in kind as they closed the gap before moving past them, getting the best part of a length by the mile marker. During this time, Brookes coxswain Allie Boheko was repeatedly warned for her steering as she positioned her crew in the middle of the course. The dangers of this showed as Princeton attempted to walk back on the Brookes crew, the crews flirted remarkably close to clashing blades, rattling the Tigers as the Brookes crew walked away unscathed. The crews separated through the enclosures, Brookes sealing a one length victory and while Princeton coxswain Wesley Hirchman immediately protested the race on the basis of the clash further up the course, this was quickly dismissed by umpire Sarah Winckless who awarded the victory to Oxford Brookes.
Prince Albert Challenge Cup
Oxford Brookes University ‘A’ v. Oxford Brookes University ‘B’
Prior to the 2022 Regatta, no institution had ever done the double across the Temple and Prince Albert Challenge Cups. Lining up for the penultimate race of this year’s Henley Royal Regatta, Brookes had already secured it for a third consecutive year. After dispatching top boats from some of the UK’s premier rowing programs as well as high-quality entries from across the world, the university program placed both crews into the final of the event, which is an unbelievably impressive feat. As would be expected, the ‘A’ crew took an early advantage and controlled the race, despite an excellent showing from their ‘B’ crew, and sped down the course. With conditions leaving the course records under no real threat, they did not unleash the full range of their sprint, but remained comfortably in control of their lower crew as they finished. Brookes ‘A’ took home the win against their teammates convincingly.
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