It’s finally time for Rutherford Head, a large head race run by Tyne Amateur Rowing Club and without doubt one of the biggest races this side of Christmas. The race, run over a 4500 metre course, offers some of the more northern clubs an opportunity to show their speed in a head race situation and for universities it can provide a valuable run down the Tyne before taking to the course again for BUCS Head.
Edinburgh University BC
Probably Scotland’s best rowing university, Edinburgh University have two crews entered. After a flurry of wins at the recent Inverness Head, these two quads should be in fine form to compete for the win. Inverness was calm so the next challenge will be how these crews fare in potentially quite rough conditions.
Blue Star Club
With their distinctive kit and fast rowing, Newcastle University’s alumni club Blue Star are always easy to spot. After many years of training on this stretch during their student days, these athletes should know the course like the back of their hand. Therefore the two crews entered should be fairly comfortable steering down the Tyne, and will be aiming to place highly.
Tees RC
Another local club, Tees Rowing Club have one quad entered. Having produced some quality athletes in the past, as well as being a former GB start centre, I expect this to be a fairly fast quad. However, the rest of the competition is pretty tough.
Leeds RC
Home to a very successful GB start centre, Leeds Rowing Club have been producing quality athletes for some time now. It is likely this crew will feature some GB start rowers, recruited for their physical prowess. It’s also possible that some of these athletes will make their way into the GB senior team in the coming years. I’m short, they will be a fast quad.
Prediction
I predict a win for one of the Edinburgh quads. The strength in depth of that programme is unparalleled by many clubs and universities in the North. Aside from the two Edinburgh quads, I expect Leeds and Blue Star to challenge for third, fourth and fifth places.
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