Rutherford Head represents one of the final pre-Christmas showdowns for some of the UK’s premier rowing programmes. This competition has witnessed a surge in popularity, with the level of competition escalating each year. The event spans a challenging 4.5km (approximately 3 miles) course and serves as the Tyne Amateur Rowing Club’s flagship affair, featuring around 130 boats racing in both the morning and afternoon sessions. As the leading Northern head race before the holiday break, this weekend promises high-quality racing. University teams dominate this year’s entry pool, including multiple crews from local powerhouses such as Newcastle University BC, Durham University BC, and Edinburgh University BC.
Durham University BC
Former GB and Leander coach, Rob Durancy, assumed the role of Head of Rowing at Durham University in 2021 with the ambitious goal of “to reinstate Durham as the top university boat club in the country.” With a clear commitment to excelling in academic sculling, Durham University has demonstrated its dedication by fielding five quads. This strategic move underscores the university’s concerted effort to prioritize and excel in the discipline.
A prominent contender among these entries is Crew 54, which features Vice Captain Izzy Sellers. Throughout the season, Izzy Sellers has showcased exceptional prowess, securing victory in the Haslam Trophy at Henley Women’s. Her achievements continued as she earned a coveted spot on Saturday at Henley Royal in the Women’s 8+. Notably, Izzy was then selected to represent GB in the LW2x at the U23 World Championships in Plovdiv.
Newcastle University BC /Tyne RC
Newcastle University stands out as a magnet for some of the most promising talents from the UK’s junior rowing pool. Whilst many top-tier academic programs might lean towards sweep rowing, Newcastle possesses a deep pool of talent, showcasing excellence in both sculling and sweep rowing disciplines. The university has entered two band 1 crew, each featuring noteworthy athletes.
The women’s captain, Holly Youd, will command crew 55—a former recipient of the Rosie McGlothling trophy in junior double sculls in 2021. Notably, Holly previously partnered with her Newcastle teammate, Lucy Thompson, in the 2- at GB trials back in February. However, this time, Thomson assumes the role of a rival, occupying a seat in a Tyne RC composite in crew 57. Demonstrating her versatility, Lucy is an established sculler, having clinched victory in the double sculls category at the prestigious Coupe de la Jeunesse in August 2022. The dual expertise of these athletes underscores Newcastle University’s prowess in nurturing and attracting top-tier rowing talent.
Edinburgh University BC
Arriving from across the border, Edinburgh University is renowned for its consistent success in nurturing some of Great Britain’s finest scullers. Within Edinburgh’s Band entry, crew 56, one athlete takes center stage—Hannah Supple. She recently clinched the U23 European championship in the quad, showcasing remarkable skill. Notably, Hannah not only earned her place in the world championships but also demonstrated her prowess earlier during the GB trials in February, where she secured an impressive 5th place in the U23 Single. Undoubtedly, Hannah Supple stands out as a sculler to closely watch, contributing to Edinburgh University’s legacy of developing top-tier rowing talent.
Prediction
With weather canceling many opportunities to gauge the speed of the season’s combinations, it’s a hard event to call. With Durham University’s commitment to academic sculling, Newcastle University’s versatility, and Edinburgh University’s legacy of elite development, anticipation is high for a weekend of top-notch racing. The event promises to be a thrilling preview of what these powerhouse programs may bring in the upcoming rowing season.
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