HRR Briefing 2021 – Wednesday, Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup

Wednesday Henley

Commercial Rowing Club, Ireland vs Sir William Perkins’s

The first race of the day for this category and at the start, or at least up until the first marker, you wouldn’t have been mistaken in thinking that Sir William Perkins’s had the race under control. But Commercial refused to be left in the dust and despite a slow start ended up overtaking and racing down to a decisive win. Once they had hit the Remenham marker the winners were clear, and it was an excellent show from the young Irish crew.

Sir William Borlase vs Glasgow Academy:

If anybody was in doubt of the sculling skills of this Glasgow Academy, they won’t be any more after seeing this race. Glasgow looked dominant from the start and by the end they had taken their stroke rate all the way down to 25. It was a very good show from the Scottish crew and only further proved the prowess of this crew.  Glasgow looked dominant, by Remenham they had a convincing lead and took their rate down to row across the finish line.

St Edwards’s School vs Reading R.C:

By the end of the island, Teddies had already pulled away, with a much lower stroke rate and by the time they reached the Fawley marker they had a four-length lead. Being an unknown quantity of Reading didn’t help them win this race, and the stronger crew of Teddies came down the course to take the win easily. They ended up crossing the finish line rowing at a steady and effective 24, showing their skills and strength and sending a message to the rest of the field.

Wycliffe Junior R.C ‘B’ vs Trentham R.C:

One of the tightest races of the category, by the barrier there was only a small gap in it and they were rating exactly the same, with only a slight steering error from Trentham which hindered their start. However, the Wycliffe boat evidently could not keep this rate up and the more dominant Trentham began to slip away progressively, by the end they had extended their lead to three lengths. Although they didn’t take the rate down by much, Trentham finished strong and set themselves up well for tomorrows racing.

Northwich R.C vs Walton R.C

Walton were the surprise entries, after they missed out on the Saturday qualifying spot but got in because Hinksey pulled out at the last minute, and it would be fair to say they were the underdogs going into this race because of that. There was a bit of a shaky start from Northwich who got very close and eventually made contact with the booms, which may have hindered their race, as Walton stormed down the course to a five length win against Northwich. They had the confidence of a crew that knew how they wanted to race and executed the plan excellently.

Nottingham and Union R.C vs Claires Court School

It was stroke for stroke in this race coming off the end of the island, with both crews rating high at 40. By the time they had come down past Remenham the Claires Court crew had a marginal lead, and despite some steering problems they maintained this lead until they came past the Stewards Enclosure. Then there was a final push for the line and it looked as if Nottingham might have a little bit left in the legs, but it wasn’t quite enough, and Claires Court beat them to the line. It was however, one of the best races of the day.

Tideway Scullers’ School vs Lea R.C

This was one of the tighter ones of the day, Lea were ahead until the ½ mile marker and managed to stay in touch until the around about the halfway mark. But as ever Tideway remained calm and collected, continuing their steady pace and rowed through Lea. The Lea crew did all they could do but by the finishing line that had taken a convincing win of just over one length.

Newark R.C vs Great Marlow School

Newark controlled this race from the start, already having a three-length lead by the ½ mile mark and continued to stretch out. Marlow raced a hard race, with a high stroke rate but they couldn’t get back into touch with the dominant Newark crew. They looked very technically strong when they came past the grandstand and had a very comfortable win.

Thursday’s Racing:

Walton R.C vs Peterborough R.C

Walton surprised slightly today when they rowed through Northwich to a very convincing win and looked strong whilst doing it. Peterborough might have a tough race tomorrow, although it will be fascinating to see them come down the course for the first time as they have not raced as a quad yet this season. I believe that if Peterborough have a good day however, they might pull the win out of the bag.

Claires Court vs Wallingford R.C

One of the seeded crews, Wallingford might have a tough race on their hands if Claire’s Court have given themselves enough time to recover from a tight race this afternoon. This Wallingford crew have had a very good season and I think it is good enough to give them the win in this race.

Tideway Scullers’ School vs Hartpury College

Tideway had a bit of a battle coming down the course today against Lea, so perhaps the fresh legs of Hartpury will give them a slightly advantage. It goes without saying that Hartpury have the reputation that precedes them, but will it be enough to get them through to the Friday racing? I predict that it might not be, as Tideway looked strong and have such a good programme that they could prove difficult to beat.

Newark R.C vs Shiplake College ‘A’

Newark looked great coming down the course, they had a strong race and made the win look easier. However, I’m sure they will be very aware of the task ahead of them as this Shiplake crew is one of, if not the favourite, to win this category. Therefore, I have to predict that it is the Shiplake crew that will take the win here.

Commercial R.C, Ireland vs Marlow R.C

I was glad to see the Irish crew do themselves proud and not get phased by the fact that Sir William Perkins’s took the lead off the start. It was a good race, but ultimately it was the Commercial crew that had the tenacity and strength to take the win. I think they could cause an upset tomorrow against this very strong Marlow crew, despite the excellent season the Marlow boat have, I wonder if the Irish boat could take it to them.

Glasgow Academy vs Wycliffe Junior R.C ‘A’

Glasgow did a great job today and took the win against Sir William Borlase, showing everyone what they were capable of. I think this race will be the one to watch tomorrow, both of these crews are outstanding and also have something to prove to themselves and the rest of the field. If I have to pick one, and I do, based on what I have seen from Wycliffe this season I think they might just take the win- but not without a fight.

St Edwards’s School vs York City R.C

Despite the St Edwards’s had a great race and looked very dominant against the Reading crew. They might have a tough race; however, this York City crew have also had a solid season. This will be a battle of the underdogs and I think the York City crew will prevail.

Trentham R.C vs Shiplake College ‘B’

The other Shiplake boat, also got a bye into tomorrow’s racing so they have both had the chance to weigh up the competition today- and this Trentham crew is definitely competitive. Although I was impressed with the show from Trentham today, I think that it will be the Shiplake boat that takes the win this time.

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