Arguably the biggest multi-lane regatta of the season, Marlow Regatta is finally upon us. Clubs, universities and schools will have put in a huge amount of mileage across the course of the season in order to build up for this event. With Henley Royal Regatta looming ever-closer, this will be the final chance to impress the Stewards in the hope of pre-qualification. Most of the crews in Tier 2 Club Eights will be targeting the Thames Challenge Cup, the entries for which have been released yesterday with 40 crews hoping to make it.
London RC
My personal favourites to win the Tier 2 Club Eights, London RC have been working on their top end speed recently. With fantastic results across the club at Met Regatta, London seem to be fairly race ready. With two entries into this category, there should be some good inter-squad competition to keep them motivated.
Marlow RC
After mediocre results at Met Regatta, Marlow RC will be sure to bounce back come Sunday. A club which has had some good results at Henley over the last few years, they’ll know that this is the right time to peak, so the pressure will be on. They have a strong squad of experienced athletes this year, who will know how to perform well.
Molesey BC
Hailing from South-West London, Molesey BC have entered three eights at Marlow, some of which may eligible for the tier 2 category. After winning the Thames Cup at Henley last year, Molesey seem to have struggled to hit the same heights since. So far, they seem to be slower than both Thames ‘A’, as well as Thames ‘B’. However, they do have a fairly large squad this year, which definitely bodes well for their lower ranked crews, who will have been able to learn from the top athletes.
Kingston RC
After not racing at Met Regatta, the crew from Kingston RC may have ben hiding their speed from their opponents. It’s hard to say whether their top athletes are in the four of the eight this year, after similar results in both. We’ll certainly be able to tell on Saturday though.
Prediction
Overall I predict London RC to win the Tier 2 Eights. They seem to be performing well consistently, and have seemingly beaten everyone they need to at previous races. Aside from London, if any of the Molesey crews are eligible for the Tier 2 category, they will be fast. I also expect Marlow to put on a good show.
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