This weekend marks the return of one of the most anticipated autumn head races: Fours Head. Crews from all corners of the UK will gather to assess their new season crew combinations and compete fiercely on the renowned 6.8km Tideway water stretch. In the Women’s Championship Coxed Four event, some of the nation’s finest female rowers and coxing talent will be taking to the water.
Among the eleven crews racing, we’ll see a classic clash of blue from Oxford University and Cambridge University, represented by three crews each, as well as Bath University and home favourites Thames Rowing Club determined to challenge previous champions Leander Club for the coveted title.
Leander Club
In recent years, Leander Club have dominated the event, and their representation comes courtesy of a formidable composite crew, straight from Caversham. The lineup boasts para-powerhouse athletes, including Tokyo Paralympics gold medalists Ellen Buttrick and Giedre Rakauskaite in the PR3MIX4+. Joining them is the promising Paralympic hopeful Frankie Allen, a European and World Champion in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four, who also earned the World Champion title in the PR3 Women’s pair, alongside Rakauskaite. In the final seat, Charlotte Coburn; a former crossfitter-turned-GB para-athlete, who has her sights firmly set on Paris 2024.
Guiding this exceptional crew over the challenging 6.8km course is Erin Kennedy, an extraordinary coxswain and Paralympic champion in her own right. Kennedy, a two-time World Champion, European Champion, and World Record Holder, made a triumphant return to the squad this summer after bravely overcoming breast cancer. This Leander composite represents a perfect blend of seasoned Paralympic veterans and promising rising stars, making them a compelling force to keep an eye on.
Thames Rowing Club
With a historically strong record and back-to-back victories in the Wargrave Challenge Cup at HRR, Thames Rowing Club is set to leverage their impressive pool of talent from the Tideway in this event.
We understand seat racing only recently took place, so there might still be some fine tuning and adjustments to the crew lineups to come. However, notable names like Wargrave winning cox, Antonia Stutter, along with semi-finalists Hopkins, Caroe, and Metalli, indicate Thames’ determination to excel in this category.
Regardless of the final lineup, Thames will undoubtedly capitalise on their home stretch advantage, making them a formidable contender.
Oxford University BC
A diverse mix of experienced returning athletes and promising newcomers will form the three crews representing Oxford University Boat Club on the championship course.
Oxford are determined to move past the results of the 2023 Women’s Boat Race, focusing on the future under the guidance of their newly appointed women’s Head Coach, Allan French. Having previously led the highly successful Oxford Brooke’s women’s program, French has swiftly made his mark. Oxford acknowledge his profound influence on the team, stating that, “his impact on the squad so far has been immense.” Whilst there will be many tests along the tideway this season, this race will undoubtedly provide Oxford the opportunity to demonstrate a shift in momentum.
Cambridge University BC
As the reigning champions of both the Women’s Boat Race and the Women’s Reserve Boat Race, Cambridge University Boat Club will be eager to reaffirm their dominance early on and establish themselves as front-runners for the upcoming year. Every intra-squad race between the blues generates excitement, and Crew 61 notably features Helen Nielsen-Scott, a former member of the dark blue team, who has now switched allegiances to the light blue side for the 2023 season. In a unique twist, Helen will not only face her former crew-mates but will also be chasing down her sister, Maria Nielsen-Scott, who will be stroking Crew 59 for Oxford.
With a keen focus on their competitors and a sharp eye on the dark blues, Cambridge is poised to offer robust competition. Their determination to maintain their championship status adds an extra layer of intensity to this upcoming contest.
Bath University
Traditionally recognized for their excellence in sculling, Bath University’s entry might raise an eyebrow to the seasoned spectator. However, this crew, comprised of former GB Start athletes, will have their sights on demonstrating their championship-caliber skills in the realm of sweep rowing. Bath University’s foray into this challenging sweep category highlights their ambition to diversify their rowing achievements and establish themselves as formidable contenders, making them a crew to watch closely during the race.
Prediction
Predicting outcomes early on in the season when crew combinations are still relatively fresh can be quite challenging. However, the Leander Club composite powerhouse unquestionably stands out as a formidable contender for this event. Nevertheless, I am confident that Thames Rowing Club will give strong competition in their pursuit to solidify their position as a dominant force in top-tier women’s rowing.
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