Reviews
Maidenhead RC v Miami RC, USA
Book-ended by some unfortunate crab-catching from an otherwise solid Miami outfit, this was the first of the more dramatic heats in this year’s Fawley Challenge Cup. By the End of the Island, both crews were going stroke for stroke, with Miami looking like they had control after coming away from the Barrier with a length on the brits. However, it was not to be for the flourishing Floridians, who were almost completely stopped in their tracks by the ever-problematic booms. Maidenhead took the chance they needed, striking hard and claiming victory. Time will tell what they’ll be able to produce against the fresh legs of Hartpury in the next round.
Claires Court School BC v Texas Rowing Center, USA
Sharp out of the blocks, this transatlantic contest was tight from the start. It was Claire’s Court who took an early lead, but the Americans dug deep and rallied, carrying the weight of their state’s expectations on their shoulders. Sporting the Texan flag with pride, the boys from across the pond began their pursuit, taking Claire’s Court down to a mere canvas at the mile mark. Claire’s Court are no slouches, though, having gone all the way and etched their names into this very Cup back in 2016. This year’s contingent gave it everything not to go out on the Tuesday, and they just about managed it.
Northwich RC v Molesey BC
Two crews who have met time and time again at the peak of the schoolboy sculling circuit, Northwich and Molesey were both clearly yearning for glory right off the start. It’s Molesey who had two-up over Northwich in terms of victories so far this season, but Northwich were determined not to make it a third, and who doesn’t love a flipped script? Despite being half a length down for most of the course, Northwich surged at the mile mark, and claimed a lead at the Hole in the Wall. Tidy blade work all the way through saw them over the line and deservedly celebrating thereafter.
Previews
Whitemarsh ‘A’, USA v Whitemarsh ‘B’, USA
Never an ideal world when both your crews meet in opposition, but such is the fate of these Pennsylvanian juniors. While spectators’ money will be on the ‘A’ crew, we must take nothing away from the ‘B’ crew, who saw off Sir William Borlase’s School in style in the first round; no easy feat when the latter has lifted the Cup three times in the last 15 years. Ultimately, as is tradition, I’d also put it to the ‘A’ crew to finish victorious, especially after their strong silver-medal showing at the USRowing National Youth Championships, but the margin might not be as great as the pundits expect.
Great Marlow School BC v Los Gatos RC, USA
It’s a showdown between the winners of the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head and the USRowing National Youth Championships respectively here, who will battle it out on Thursday. After laying their marker down with a stylish win at the first race of this year’s Regatta, Great Marlow School will undoubtedly throw everything at Channing Walker’s boys. That said, the Los Gatos outfit are my pick for victory, not least to prove that they can once again stand up against the best this side of the pond has to offer.
Tideway Scullers School v Leander Club
Leander will be keen to put their proverbial money where their mouth is and do what they do best on their home straight, but I have a sneaky feeling Tideway Scullers School (TSS) might not make it too easy. After today’s performance, which saw them dispatch RC Zurich Switzerland in smooth fashion, TSS will be chomping at the bit to deprive the current title-holders of their chances at the back-to-back. This will be a close one, but TSS’ tidiness this evening leads me to believe they will rise to the challenge and clinch the win from the grasp of the Pink Palace.
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