This Saturday, the Band One Women’s Eights event at Rutherford Head promises to be an exciting race featuring a lineup of top crews from university and local rowing clubs. With last year’s winners, Tyne Amateur Rowing Club, returning to defend their title alongside powerhouse crews from Durham University Boat Club, Newcastle University Boat Club, and Edinburgh University Boat Club, the 4.5km course on the River Tyne sets the stage for a thrilling contest.
The cancellation of Fours Head last weekend has left many crews eager for some long-distance racing, and Rutherford Head offers the perfect opportunity to showcase their endurance and speed. The unpredictable weather this season adds an extra layer of uncertainty as many of these crews have not had a chance to race each other this season. However, one thing is certain: with victories to defend and rivalries to reignite, this will be a race to watch.
Newcastle University Boat Club
Firstly, we have Newcastle University Boat Club, which will undoubtedly be building on its successful season last year. They achieved incredible results, including finishing second in the Open University category at Women’s Head of the River Race 2024 and earning podium finishes on both days of the Metropolitan Regatta in the summer. Their second-place finish on Sunday at the Metropolitan Regatta, narrowly beating Durham’s ‘A’ crew, highlights their potential to challenge for the top spot this weekend.
Durham University Boat Club
Durham University Boat Club’s track record in 2024 speaks volumes, notably their victory in the Women’s Championship Eight at BUCS Head 2024, narrowly defeating Newcastle by three seconds and securing silver at BUCS Regatta in the same category. Their commanding performance at Durham Regatta in June 2024, where they claimed victories across women’s eights, fours, and quads, reinforces their status as a crew to watch. Moreover, their longstanding rivalry with Newcastle University Boat Club means the pressure will be on to claim victory after Newcastle’s winning streak at The Boat Race of the North. Â
Edinburgh University Boat Club
Edinburgh University Boat Club may not share the same local rivalries as Durham and Newcastle, but they are contenders in this race. Their strong performance in the Women’s Championship Eight at BUCS Head 2024 saw them secure third place behind Durham and Newcastle, and their impressive 13th place ranking at Women’s Head of the River Race highlights their strength on long-distance courses. But will this be enough to beat Newcastle, Durham and Tyne Amateur Rowing Club on their home water? Â
Tyne Amateur Rowing Club
As last year’s champions, Tyne Amateur Rowing Club will look to defend their title. Their time of 17:12.8 in 2023 set the bar high, and with other strong results last year, including placing third in the Senior Provincial Club category at the Women’s Head of the River Race- student crews will have their eyes on Tyne. Moreover, their familiarity with the course and local conditions is sure to give them a crucial advantage.
Predictions
Across the 2023/24 season, Durham University Boat Club and Newcastle University Boat Club have proved to be evenly matched across the board, so I think there will be a close fight between these two crews. With their familiarity with the course and the added layer of rivalry between these two clubs, I think it will be a tight race. But this by no means rules out Edinburgh University Boat Club, who I’m sure will put in a strong performance to try and claim victory against the home clubs.
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