The Metropolitan Regatta is the second of the big three domestic regattas held at Dorney Lake, held over two days. This is where we will start to see possible crew formations, leading up to Henley Royal in July. For club crews, the main decision is whether to focus on the Thames cup or the club four events, the Wyfold and Brtiannia. Thames Challenge Cup pre-qualifying spots are up for grabs, so an impressive performance this weekend will catch the attention of the Henley Stewards. Most of these crews have entered both the Saturday and Sunday racing, so this preview covers both. With the absence of some of the main protagonists on the club scene at Wallingford Regatta, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. The winners at Wallingford Regatta, Molesey BC, have not entered so it leaves the field wide open for any crew to grab the win.
Thames RC
After not entering the club eights at Wallingford Regatta, it looks like Thames Rowing Club have entered their third boat in the club eights. After some good mileage on training camp, the tideway club are back to test if they have gained speed on their rivals. A dominant force in club rowing, winning four out of the last six Thames Cups alongside numerous other Henley wins. Again, this season has been very impressive with three crews in the top 20 at Head of the River, and four eights competing in challenge eights at Wallingford. This crew is not their top end athletes, but they will certainly be a strong favourite to win this event.
Derby RC
A somewhat surprise package at Wallingford Regatta, Derby will hope to repeat their second place finish in club eights in the first Eton Dorney regatta. A fifth place in the Jackson Trophy at Head of the River was a decent result, but clearly they have found some good speed post head season. Given that the field will likely be stronger at Met Regatta, can they compete with the heavyweights of club rowing again?
London RC
The putney-based club have firmly been back where they belong this year. Head season brought much success, overturning Thames RC in the Remenham Challenge and having two eights in the top 10 at Head of the River. Their eight in this event at Wallingford Regatta will be somewhat disappointed with a 6th place finish, although London did have three more eights in the challenge category. It looks like they have put their top boat in this event, so they will be gunning for a win and beating their rivals Thames again.
Vesta RC
Historically one of the heavyweights of club rowing, Vesta Rowing Club might have been disappointed that none of their eights at Wallingford Regatta made a final. For Met, they, like other clubs, have put their top eight in this event, and will be pushing to be in the top five club crews.
Notable Mentions
Lea RC had an impressive showing at Wallingford Regatta, placing third, and will be looking to build on that result throughout regatta season. With numerous Durham University alumni on board, Star Club have strung together some very decent results this season; will they be aiming for a Thames Cup campaign? Depending on the composition of the eight they enter Marlow RC could be vying for top spots in this club eights category, but they may choose to enter their first eight in championship like at Wallingford.
Predictions
Molesey BC were dominant at Wallingford, but since they are not racing it opens up the category a little bit more. Given that it is the top athletes from London RC, I am tipping them to win over the men from Thames RC. The other top spots in the A-final will be closely fought out between crews such as Marlow and Derby. This proves to be a fascinating battle.
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