Reviews
Woodrow Wilson vs Norwich School
A race that showed the quality of American school crews at this year’s competition, Woodrow Wilson came into this regatta as Stotesbury Cup champions, and proved their quality by recording a sound win over Reading Bluecoat, whilst Norwich School saw on Winchester. Both crews got out cleanly, albeit in tough conditions with both levels virtually all the way up the course, though Woodrow Wilson took a slight lead at the barrier. Despite a strong late push from Norwich, held on to win by a length. A cracking race from start to finish from Woodrow Wilson and I look forward to seeing what this crew can do later in the week. Bad luck to Norwich, but on this occasion, they came up against a better crew.
The Kings School, Chester vs Scots College
Another cracking race followed with the pride of the North, Kings Chester against a tough Australian crew, Scots College who beat Kings Worcester easily yesterday. Rowing in rough conditions, both crews got out of the blocks fast with Scots College holding a slight lead which they maintained all the way to the barrier. With a 1/3 of a length lead, the race looked to be settled as Scots continued to move ahead with ease. However, Kings Chester simply would not let them go, reducing the lead to first a canvass and then a foot. Coming into Stewerds, Kings Chester upped the rate to 36, powering past Scots and eventually winning by just a length. Speaking to the Kings Chester coach afterwards, it was clear that this winning crew have performed well above Kings crews of the past (they last reached the Friday in 2009). Though Eton may prove to be their undoing, for now Kings Chester can look back on a good race and a job well done.
Radley College vs St Edwards School
A battle between old rivals of schools rowing, St Edwards had seen an upsurge in fortunes this year, with second place at NSR in contrast to Radley’s seventh. Both got off to good starts, with the crews virtually neck and neck as they came down the course. St Edwards got the better start and opened up a small lead of around ½ a length. Radley simply would not let St Edwards get away from them, however. The crew that seemed down and out during NSR, and who have brought J16 Angus Gray-Cheape into the boat, pulled St Edwards back and eventually took the lead at Remenham. St Edwards were expected to dominate this regatta and potentially contest the final and being the quality crew that they are threw everything at Radley in Stewards and towards the finish. Radley held on to win by 1 and ¾ of a length. A fantastic race and congratulations are due to St Edwards on their best season in many years. The question now remains as to whether Radley are able to continue what seems to be a resurgent run. Shrewsbury and potentially Eton await.
Previews
Radley College vs Shrewsbury School
Two crews that have proven that their finish at NSR 2022 has proved no impediment to their speed, both of these crews have come through tough races to reach the quarterfinals. Radley overcame their local rivals St Edwards Oxford, whilst Shrewsbury made use of a Westminster crab to book their place. Both of these crews are standard strong schoolboy eights and have already beaten arguably better opponents. Radley have the slight advantage in my view, due to their substantial speed increase post NSR, but given that Shrewsbury have clearly come on leaps and bounds as well, this race may well go down to the absolute wire.
Woodrow Wilson vs KCS
KCS have put out arguably one of the best crew in the field this year and alongside Eton are the favourites to take home the PE. After, relatively easy races against Canford and Dulwich College, KCS will welcome a chance to fight against the best that the US has to offer. Woodrow Wilson have had close races with Reading Bluecoat and against Norwich. I would expect KCS to win in a close race but given Woodrow Wilson haven’t yet had a real test it may be much closer.
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