Rutherford Head of the River 2023 – Open Eight Band 2 Preview

With little opportunity to race on the water, Rutherford Head has attracted some of the biggest names in rowing. The flagship head race before the Christmas break, the quality and calibre of the racing we should get this weekend will be high. 

Molesey BC 

Molesey BC have entered 3 eights Men’s Eights this weekend with two of those in our second band. As a club they demonstrated an immense level of squad depth last season with four men’s crews making the Henley Royal Regatta draw. Having won the tier two eights equivalent at Marlow International Regatta last season, Molesey’s depth is undoubtable, and they will be looking to start their season strong with a trip to the Tyne.

Durham University BC

Durham will be Molesey’s nearest competitor in this band. Having themselves qualified two boats to the Temple Challenge Cup, only being defeated by the best that those across the pond had to offer in the form of Princeton and Cornell. Coming off the back of a BUCS Regatta VL for the first time since 2015, the boys in palatinate will be looking to beat the best that club rowing has to offer. Beaten by the formidable Oxford Brookes in the Championship Men’s eight final, Durham are the best of the rest and I think this race might see more of the same.

Edinburgh University BC

Edinburgh are one of the most consistent university programmes in the country and the short trip across the border will demonstrate this once more. Despite qualifying 3 boats for Henley Royal Regatta, Edinburgh will have been disappointed in their week ending closer to the start than the end. As one season ends, however, new opportunities arise and Rutherford is just that. Dependable and fast, Edinburgh will be testing Durham in the run-up to BUCS head on the same stretch of water in a few months time. 

Prediction

Molesey are the pinnacle of club rowing and has an insane level of depth that very few clubs can match. Under the guidance of Sam Tuck, expect a season of slick results for the boys in black and white. Their experience and prowess should prove to be too much for the University crews of Durham and Edinburgh alike. Don’t be surprised, however, if the two boats of Molesley are split by their affirmentioned platinate or baby blue counterparts. 

About The Author

Ryan Winterbottom

See author's posts