Coming at the start of the new year, Quintin Head is an opportunity for crews to blow off the cobwebs and start building towards the Head of the River Race in March which stands as the culmination of the winter. The race will provide the chance for those crews who have had a good winter training block to demonstrate their speed and gauge their progress.
Molesey BC
Since capturing the Thames Cup at HRR, Molesey has well and truly reinserted itseld into the conversation as one of the premier rowing clubs in the nation, if indeed it ever left. Having recently claimed the headship at the Remenham Challenge – no mean feat when considering they had to be Thames – one would expect Molesey to dominate this event and be the odds-on favourite to take the win.
University of London BC
Another club that is simply a class apart from all the rest, UL have enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in the last few years and look well placed for the season ahead. With 17 athletes taking part in GB trials including rising stars Joe Middleton and Tom Cross, the UL depth has translated into a win at Rutherford Head where they beat Durham and Edinburgh. Whether they can stand against Molesey for the win remains to be seen, but UL clearly have the talent and the depth to compete at the sharp end.
University of Bristol BC
A couple of years ago, the University of Bristol was regarded as a strong regional competitor at best, but not one that would challenge at national level. However, following a strong showing at BUCS Regatta with wins in the Men’s Intermediate Eight and Men’s Intermediate Coxed Four, Bristol should now be regarded as strong competitors full stop. With their form in eights racing now cemented, Bristol with look to build on a solid head season and see how they match up against some more established clubs.
Prediction
It should be tight for the win here between Molesey and UL, despite my optimism for Bristol I think they will place well without taking the number one spot.
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