Reviews
Saugatuck RC, USA v Hinksey Sculling School
Dominating from the start, Saugatuck commanded the race with style to cruise to victory. Seemingly caught off guard by the rapid advance off the start from the American crew, Hinksey struggled to draw them back and had lost contact by the end of the island, continuing to drop away during the race. Spurred on by their rocket start, Saugatuck lengthened out into a three length lead by the half mile and, despite their steering warning, there was no stopping them as they approached the line to claim the victory.
Bedford School v Eton College
Making the most of Bedford’s nightmare start, Eton pulled out into an early lead looking comfortable in their rhythm and claiming a three quarters of a length by the Barrier. Seemingly unable to pull away, the margin sat comfortably here for the first half of the race with Bedford clinging on to their stern, just waiting to make a move. First, they tried a move just before the enclosures where they closed a quarter of a length before Eton pushed to pull back their full lead, but a late surge from Bedford left Eton no time to respond, finishing the race with Eton being only a third of a length up.
Princeton N.R.A, USA v Shrewsbury School BC
Bow ball to bow ball off the start, Shrewsbury and Princeton were level through to the End of the Island when Shrewsbury tested an unusual race plane and pushed hard off the start in an attempt to get ahead and stay ahead. They pulled a quarter length lead onto Princetown and looked to be walking further when Princetown really revealed their pure power to lay down their race rhythm and walked almost immediately back. They carried this momentum to power through and gained their lead of a length whilst maintaining a look of grace and ease throughout their strokes. Shrewsbury at the mile marker began to feel the repercussions of their early push and dropped back looking like they had just given too much just too soon allowing Princeton to waltz away with the win.
Previews
Eton College v Norwich School
After a commanding performance today, Norwich School look strong going into this match up tomorrow- especially after Eton’s somewhat lacking performance today. They had a hard race against Bedford this morning with a small victory partially due to Bedford falling off their seats at the start of the race, which is not what Eton needed going into their next round after Norwich’s easy race. I believe we could have a dark horse of Norwich coming through to beat schoolboy favourites Eton.
St Edward’s School v Hamilton Boys’ High School, New Zealand
The reigning champions of this event meet the New Zealand national champions who both dominated their fields earlier today. The New Zealand triple bucket didn’t look back as they left St George’s College in their wake- half due to their technique and half due to the free speed delivered through their unique triple bucket rig. St Edward’s had also pulled clear by the end of the island to deliver a beautiful row demonstrating their style and skill in the water, looking ready to battle for their title again. These two will definitely match up to make a good race and we shall see which of the free speed triple bucket or the returning champions can claim victory tomorrow.
Shiplake College v Saugatuck RC, USA
After an untouchable performance today, Saugatuck will be confident in flying through their next round however Shiplake may put a stop to that in tomorrow’s racing. With the draw in their favour, many believe Shiplake have a real shot at the final this year but Saugatuck do provide a newly revealed obstacle in their finals campaign. Saugatuck won’t want to have travelled all the way from the USA to leave on Thursday but after being knocked out by St Pauls last year in the semis, Shiplake wants the finals place desperately. Personally, I believe Shiplake has what it takes to claim that finals spot and can get through tomorrow’s race but Saugatuck won’t make it easy for them.
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