As we edge ever closer to Henley Royal Regatta in just over a month’s time, each regatta becomes more and more important as clubs, schools and universities begin to finalise their Henley crews. Eights entering this event will be looking to contest the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta this year, arguably the top club at Henley that all programmes desire to win. Unlike any other regatta, the Metropolitan Regatta offers the same events on consecutive days, making it a unique opportunity for programmes to test their crews.
Thames RC
A force to be reckoned with in recent years, Thames RC have produced some incredible crews in club men’s rowing. They won the Thames Challenge Cup in 2017, 2018 and 2021, as well as winning the Wyfold Challenge Cup in 2021 too (club coxless fours). Their depth this year is signified by having four eights entered on Saturday and three eights entered on Sunday in this event. They’ve produced strong results this season too, winning Remenham Head back in December and getting their top two eights into the top ten at the Head of the River in March.
London RC
Another strong club rowing programme, London RC have also had a strong season this year. They finished fifth at Remenham Head and took home a 16th place finish at the Head of the River. London also had a strong showing at Henley Royal Regatta last year, reaching the semi-final of the Britannia Challenge Cup (club coxed fours). I don’t expect London to be on the same level Thames’ top crews, however I could definitely see them getting amongst their second and third eights. London will also be racing on both Saturday and Sunday.
Cork BC, IRE
A crew that has put in some impressive performances this year is Cork Boat Club, Ireland. They finished 19that the Head of the River Race this year, beating a lot of highly established UK crews. Being located in Ireland, they are somewhat of an un-known quantity as they won’t be doing as many UK races as the clubs located on the mainland. Racing on both Saturday and Sunday could absolutely be ones to watch at the Metropolitan Regatta and as we move closer to Henley Royal Regatta.
Vesta RC
Vesta have been on strong form this year, they won the men’s coxed four category at Wallingford a few weeks ago, beating two Molesey crews. They also finished 20th at Head of the River, one place behind Cork so expect a close fight between those two crews at the Metropolitan Regatta. Racing on both days of this regatta, expect them to be at the sharp end of the field.
City of Bristol RC
Another strong club programme, Bristol reached Day Three in the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta last year. They finished 27th at Head of the River this year, slightly behind Vesta and Cork, so I would be surprised if they overturned that margin however it wouldn’t be impossible. They are strong club with an upward trajectory and it’ll be interesting to see how they do racing on both days of the Metropolitan Regatta.
Prediction
With most of the top crews in this event racing on both days of this regatta, my prediction for both Saturday and Sunday will be the same as I don’t see anyone beating these clubs. I predict that Thames A will take the win on both days, followed by Thames ‘B’ and then London.
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