Reading University Head of the River 2025 – Women’s Senior Quads Preview

This article was written prior to the event cancellation

As the winter head season draws to a close, the 2025 Reading University Head of the River Race promises another competitive day of racing. Stretching over a 4.6-kilometre course starting in Tilehurst and finishing near Caversham Bridge in central Reading, the event attracts a strong mix of university, club and junior crews, all looking to test their speed before the upcoming Tideway races. This race is a crucial opportunity for some of the top women’s quads to test their strength and endurance in an exciting day of racing. 

Reading University Boat Club 

With three crews racing in the band one category of the Senior Women’s Quads, Reading University Boat Club is set to showcase the depth of their squad this weekend. As one of the UK’s leading university sculling programmes, Reading will be looking to reinforce its dominance following a standout performance at BUCS Fours and Eights Head, where they took victory in both the Championship and Intermediate Women’s Quads. 

Reading’s top boats will likely be two evenly matched crews headed by Ellie Cooke and Zara Povey. Both are key members of the BUCS Head-winning Championship Quad and standout performers at the GB U23 February Trials. We are expecting fierce internal competition between these two crews, adding an extra layer of excitement to the race. 

With proven speed across multiple boats, Reading’s presence at the top end of this event is all but guaranteed, but we will see whether they can push themselves to gold against some tough external clubs on Saturday. 

Leander Club 

As one of the most successful rowing clubs in the world, Leander Club enters as the clear favourite to take the Senior Women’s Quads title this weekend. Their women’s sculling squad has already been dominant this season, most recently claiming a confident win at the Head of the Trent, where their Championship Quad beat the City of Oxford by an impressive 57 seconds. They’ll want to carry that momentum into this weekend’s race. Their depth in sculling is unquestionable, and alongside their proven ability to perform under pressure, it is hard to see past them for the win this weekend.

Tideway Scullers School

Tideway Scullers School will also look to make an impression this weekend, building on strong performances in recent home-water races such as Hammersmith and Quintin Head. Their Junior Quad performed well at Hammersmith Head, coming second in their division, while their eights placed fourth and 11th—highlighting the squad’s impressive depth.

However, the key question remains: will their successful sculling programme and recent racing experience be enough to secure a top-three finish against some fierce competition?

Maidenhead Rowing Club 

With two crews entered into the band one category, Maidenhead Rowing Club will also seek to demonstrate the depth of its squad. Their Junior Quad placed fourth at Hammersmith Head, and they’ll be aiming to close the gap on Tideway Scullers as they test themselves against some of the country’s strongest sculling clubs.

Last season, Maidenhead finished just behind Reading University in the Women’s Quad at the 2024 Metropolitan Regatta, narrowly missing out on victory. This weekend provides a key opportunity to see how their squad has developed and whether they can step up to challenge the top contenders. With proven speed and a history of tight racing, they could be a team to watch.

Prediction 

Leander Club enters as the clear favourite, boasting an extremely successful sculling programme, recent dominant performances and a squad packed with top talent, meaning they will be a difficult crew to beat. Behind them, the race for the podium is set to be highly competitive. With its squad depth and recent BUCS success, Reading University Boat Club will definitely be pushing for a top three finish, from one if not two of their crews. It is definitely going to be an exciting set of racing and some good preparation for the final Tideway head races. 

About The Author

The Oaracle

See author's posts