Rutherford Head of the River 2023 – Women’s Band 1 Eights Preview

With last year’s winners, Edinburgh University BC, making a return alongside local teams Newcastle University BC and Durham University BC, there’s heaps of strong competition in this Band 1 women’s eights event. Assuming these clubs are sending their top crews, it’s set to be a tough battle for that top spot. With many long-distance races this season falling victim to the weather, the constant cancellations have left these crews unable to have much experience against each other, but as there’s certainly no shortage of race experience, it’s a tough call who will make it across that finish line first.  

Molesey Boat Club

First up is Molesey BC, who have had a string of strong performances throughout the year, including qualifying for the Wargrave Challenge Cup in the women’s eights event at Henley Royal Regatta and the B-final of the Championship eights at Met Regatta. All three of the club’s eights finished within the top 65 crews at Women’s Eights Head of the River, which only highlights the depth of their squad. After narrowly missing out on a final at Henley Women’s Regatta by just over a length, Molesey BC will be hungry to prove themselves amongst these university crews.

Durham University Boat Club

With home-water advantage and a consistent record of producing top crews in this category, Durham University BC appear more than prepared to take on their northern neighbours. After finishing this event as runners up last year, they will be keen to topple EUBC this time around. If the previous season is anything to go by, then DUBC’s top boat will be a force to be reckoned with; the club’s top eight were able to take home a gold in the Women’s Eight category at BUCS Head on these waters earlier this year, as well as the third fastest Senior University crew at WEHORR in March.

Nottingham University Boat Club

Another crew that are certainly worth looking out for are the eight from Nottingham University BC. Their recent performances have been very promising, including being the first women’s eight from the club to qualify at HRR, and the fifth fastest Senior University crew at WEHORR. After placing 4^th at BUCS Head earlier this year, they are more than familiar with the Tyne and its conditions, so it will be interesting to see where they stand amongst this cohort of experienced crews.

Other crews include entries from last year’s winners Edinburgh University Boat Club, Nottingham Rowing Club, Newcastle University Rowing Club and hosts Tyne Amateur Rowing Club. 

Predictions

Not much is known yet about the make-up of these crews and while it would be easy to assume Newcastle University or Durham University will come out on top due to their familiarity with the course, I’m interested to see how the Nottingham University BC crew fairs against this experienced lineup. With how closely matched these clubs’ crews have been before, there’s always potential for a new club to take home the win, so don’t count out these visiting crews just yet.

About The Author

Meg Ashford

After being involved in rowing in various capacities for over ten years, Meg joined the JRN team in 2023 after trying her hand at commentary at Henley Women’s Regatta. Meg is currently a coach at Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, New Zealand, as well as a commentator based at Lake Karāpiro covering the North Island event series.

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