Welcome to a new regular feature for JRN, which explores the vibrant club racing scene in the ‘provincial’ regions of the UK.
Often forgotten by many in the sport, tucked away in the leafy shires lies a pool of dazzling rowing talent which deserves championing in its own right.
As the autumn racing training season draws to its close, we look forward to the new year and the most coveted prizes in regional rowing: the Jackson Trophy and the Provincial Club pennant.
Consider this, then, an early preview for these events.
Unfortunately, racing has been cancelled nationwide for much of the autumn, so I will be drawing upon both historic form and the results of the few races which have gone ahead to produce this run-down of the big names to look out for the new year.
Men’s Squads
Aiming to defend their Jackson Trophy title will be Royal Chester Rowing Club, who were the class of the regional field last year.
Being the only regional club to have two men’s boats make quarter-finals at Henley Royal Regatta last year, Chester will be looking to build on this success and make the weekend at Henley this year.
Whilst we haven’t seen them race in sweep boats this year, a good first step on their journey would be to retain the headships they won last winter season. In order to do this, they’ll have to fend off last year’s Jackson runners up and local rivals Agecroft, who are always a force to be reckoned with.
After facing tough draws at Henley, City of Bristol have started the season strongly, beating Nonesuch BC (a growing force in this category) and established names such as Minerva Bath at University of Bristol Winter Head. Jackson winners in 2022, I am sure they will be looking to regain their pennant this year.
Tyne Amateur Rowing Club had a remarkable run to Friday in the Wyfold Challenge Cup last summer, taking out big names Molesey and Lea in the process. Jackson winners in recent years, Tyne will be keen to carry on their form.
But, at Rutherford Head, Star Club emerged as the fastest provincial club crew, a result which puts them very much in the running for the Jackson, and justifies the journey north from Bedford.
Up the road from Bedford, we find the rowing ecosphere that is Cambridge. With 40 clubs sharing a 5km stretch of river, it is no wonder some quality is bound to emerge.
City of Cambridge RC have invested heavily in both equipment and recruitment over the last few years, but results so far have placed them in a similar position to local rivals Cantabrigian and pairs’ head winners Cambridge ’99. Only 3.5 seconds separated these clubs over the Head of the River Race (HoRR) last year and each qualified boats for Henley.
Arguably 99’s had the best week in July, with sculler William Young making the semi-finals of the Diamonds, but in the 8+ there was very little between the clubs so who emerges on top this year remains anyone’s guess.
The first big regional race to look out for in the new year will be the Head of the Trent in February. I would expect to see local favourites Nottingham and Derby faring well here, but will likely have Royal Chester, Agecroft, and possibly even Tyne or Bristol to contend with.
Women’s Squads
When it came to regional women’s squads last year, no-one could hold a candle to Tyne: provincial pennant winners and the only regional crew boat to make it to the semi-finals at Henley Royal Regatta.
Tyne have started their season well, finishing as the fastest provincial club at Rutherford Head – a result I am sure they will be looking to build from.
Hot on Tyne’s heels will be 2022 pennant winners Cantabrigian. On the women’s side there can be no question of which club is dominant in Cambridge.
The question is, can “Cantabs” re-find the personnel and/or speed which brought them the title 2 years ago? Only time will tell, but their year has started with a steady stream of local wins on the River Cam, where racing has been largely unaffected by the weather.
Sandwiched between Tyne and Cantabrigian at last year’s head was City of Bristol RC. An 8+ from their squad performed admirably at University of Birmingham Winter Head, albeit a little off the place set by club crews from Upper Thames. As with all crews in this article, an idea of their true speed will become more apparent as the data bank of race results increases and crunch time approaches.
A total of 5 provincial crews qualified 8+s for the Wargrave Challenge Cup at Henley this year, a remarkable effort given the over-saturation of crews from the bigger Tideway clubs.
In addition to the 3 clubs profiled above, Agecroft and Nottingham both qualified crews. These clubs also rounded out the Top 5 provincial crews at WEHoRR last season, so it is clear that they can be at the sharp end of the field, whatever the distance.
Agecroft qualified well in the COPAS cup at Henley Women’s regatta this year and have started this season with a victory over Liverpool University on home turf at their autumn head race.
Nottingham made the trip up to Rutherford Head and found themselves sitting behind Tyne at the front of the provincial field.
Aside from the squads who qualified in the Wargrave, be sure to look out for strong showings this season from Worcester (who had a quick 4- at Henley Women’s Regatta last summer), as well as Chester clubs Grosvenor RC, led from the front by Princess Royal Qualifier Sarah McKay, and Royal Chester who recovered from a disqualification at WEHoRR last year to place themselves firmly in the pack by the time of the COPAS cup qualifiers.
Whilst the number of race cancellations has been disappointing for rowers, coaches and pundits alike, the Head season and beyond has many great events in store, and I look forward to following the progress of all regional clubs, as they strive to prove that you don’t have to train on the Thames to go quickly.
Provincial pennants are important motivators for smaller clubs, who deserve to have their achievements recognised in the results of races, and hopefully, in print.
With the talent spread across this country I’ve no doubt left many squads and clubs out, so my sincerest apologies go to those clubs, and I hope you surprise me in the new year.
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