La Salle, USA v Edinburgh University ‘A’
Some very exciting racing to help kick off what was a slightly underwhelming PA category today. La Salle proved to be tough competition for the baby blues and it was one of the closest races of the day, all the way until the Fawley marker, where Edinburgh took a narrow three-foot lead. They were bow ball for bow ball as the crews came storming down the course, answering any questions the other boat asked of them. Edinburgh managed to turn their marginal lead into a three quarter length, and were holding their race rhythm against a formidable and high rating crew from Philadelphia. In a race that deserved the kind of crowds usually seen later on in the week, Edinburgh surged across the line first and have safely moved on to the next round but not without having to fight it out pretty brutally down the course against the crew from La Salle.
Oxford Brookes University ‘B’ v University of London ‘B’
Oxford Brookes took the early lead, and in this B boat battle they had the upper hand immediately and by the Fawley marker they had a lengthy lead on their UL counterparts. This was the theme throughout the race, and Brookes took their rate down as they cruised through the markers, taking each one in their stride. The question after this race, is will they be able to continue this winning streak into the next round, where they face Havard and may have to race all the way to the line.
From the rest of the PA today, it was slightly more predictable racing. Cambridge University won convincingly against Edinburgh ‘B’ and University of London overturned Imperial College London. Both will move through to the next round confidently and ready for whatever their competition can throw at them.
Previews
Cambridge University BC v Cornell University, USA
The eyes are immediately drawn to this match up in the draw, Cornell were seeded as were their competition but they got a pass straight to the quarterfinals whilst Cambridge had to line up against Edinburgh University ‘B’ today. Despite this, Cambridge looked completely dominant as they came down the course and I have to back the light blues in this round of the event.
Oxford Brookes ‘B’ v Harvard University, USA
Where a B boat might not always get a mention, this is a B boat that deserves it’s spot in these previews. Harvard Lightweights will have to fight hard to come through the Brookes boat, but having had winning experience as a programme in this event, they clearly know what it takes to create a crew that has all the potential to go all the way. Ultimately, I think Havard will have enough in the tank to take it to the Brookes boat and move onto the next round victorious.
University London v A.S.R Nereus, The Netherlands
As predicted by our very own outfit, UL ’A’ looked excellent coming down the course today and provided spectators with an example of pretty exceptional rowing. They will be the tall order lining up next to the Dutch powerhouses from Nereus, who have already had a successful regatta with their A and B crews making it through a round in the Temple and will have given their teammates a boost coming into this round. Nereus got a bye into this quarter finals and will have fresh legs, but I think it will be the crew from University of London that will cross the line first.
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