HRR 2021 Briefing – Thursday, Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup

Thursday Racing:

Marlow vs Commercial:

Despite my comments yesterday, Marlow did indeed storm down the course to a win and looked very confident doing it. Commercial pulled back slightly by the end and did themselves proud against the strong crew from Marlow. It was a good race, and it was a shame the bandstands were quiet because there was a sprint for the finish from Commercial that was worth a watch.

Wycliffe Junior R.C ‘A’ vs Glasgow Academy

This race had pretty much everything you want out of a Thursday battle down the course, Glasgow didn’t let Wycliffe get away from them and during the middle of it they were pulling back. It had some steering drama, with both crews being asked by the umpire to move over at points. Despite the strong finish from the Glasgow crew they didn’t have quite enough in the tank to overthrow the Wycliffe ‘A’, who showed everyone what they were made of.

York City v St Edward’s School

St Edwards had a slight lead coming away from the Island and the up until the ½ mile marker, the lead was changing hands between the two crews but Teddies put in a push and took a decisive lead. It was extended to a lead of three lengths by Remenham and the continued down the course and maintained it to the finish.

Shiplake ‘B’ v Trentham

By the end of the Island the Shiplake crew had a slight lead, and despite some almost problematic steering from both of the crews, they both got a reasonable start. However, Shiplake quickly started to show their prowess and extended their lead, taking the rate down to a comfortable steady place by the time they had crossed the finish line

Newark R.C v Shiplake ‘A’

By the end of the island Shiplake had already established a lead and both crews managed to stay on their side of the river, although Newark were warned once. The Newark quad looked neat but Shiplake proved why they are the favourites as they took control of the race and then slowed their rate down. They extended their lead and looked calm and collected whilst doing it, winning by a verdict of easily.

Claires Court v Wallingford

These crews had a tough head win to row into and managed to do it relatively successfully, only a few minor corrections needed from both crews. Wallingford were dominant however and established a lead early on and continued it all the way to the finish. Claires Court put down a good sprint but ultimately it was not enough to row through to take the win.

Tideway Scullers v Hartpury College

With the reputation that Hartpury have, Tideway would have known they had a race ahead of them. They managed to stay in touch continually and were even pulling back steadily by the barrier, at one point closing the lead to just half a length. But this was a pace Tideway could not sustain and by Fawley the gap had widened again, not to be deterred however, Tideway didn’t let Hartpury get too comfortable- keeping them pushing until the line. There was a sprint finish from the Tideway crew, but Hartpury managed to maintain their lead and take the win.

Walton R.C v Peterborough R.C:

Peterborough took an early lead; they were warned about their steering coming off the island but after a slight correction they continued on. Walton was also warned once about their steering, but it didn’t put the Peterborough crew off and they extended their lead as they continued down the course and ended up with a very convincing win. A quick word on the Walton crew, they came back from not qualifying on Saturday and then getting through due to last minute due to a withdrawal to winning their first race yesterday- so they should be very proud of what they have achieved here.

Friday’s Racing:

Peterborough R.C v Wallingford R.C:

Both of these crews had confident looking wins today, against crews that were very competitive. On paper, Wallingford have the stronger crew, with their track record from this season being one of near misses against the likes of Wycliffe and Shiplake but coming close enough to be a threat. However, from the impressive results from the Peterborough double, who are in this boat, and the dominant show they put on against Walton this evening I would put the Peterborough crew just slightly ahead of Wallingford in terms of winning chances. But I predict this will be a good race to watch.

Hartpury College v Shiplake ‘A’

There was a good race from Hartpury today and they took it to the Tideway crew, which I thought might beat them down the course, but they didn’t and there was an assertive air around the Hartpury crew that has echoes of the days gone past. In terms of this race, despite the talent in the Hartpury boat, it seems as if the Shiplake crew will have it under control. After their race today it’s safe to say they are still the favourites, coming past the finish looking as if they were just out for a technical paddle, I think this winning spree will continue on the Friday.

Marlow R.C v Wycliffe Junior R.C

My instant prediction for this race is that it will be a great one, both of these crews have had outstanding seasons, and both have come behind Shiplake at points so in terms of an evenly matched crews you can’t get much better than this. Marlow looked very tidy during their race against Commercial and they had one of the first races of the day so will have had more time to rest up their legs- perhaps this will help them close the gap to the Wycliffe crew. Wycliffe had quite a few steering issues in their race so if they can get that sorted out by this race, I believe they will just take the win over the Marlow crew. But anything can happen at Henley Royal, especially when the pressure begins to mount.

St Edward’s School v Shiplake ‘B’

Teddies had the slighter harder race today against Trentham who pushed them on until about the half way mark, where Teddies managed to pull away and lengthen out. Both crews were able to come away with confident wins, but I think again they will be pretty evenly matched here. The Shiplake ‘B’ crew clearly have a fighting chance, they have showed the field that just because they are a ‘B’ crew does not mean they should be written off. They will have a battle on their hands from this talented Teddies crew, but ultimately I think the Shiplake crew will get into the Saturday racing.

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