With a total of nine entries into this years women’s championship coxless four and some impressive competition, the 2023 edition of the Fours Head will make for some amazing racing. Racing along the championship course on the Thames from Mortlake to Putney covering a total of 6.8 kilometres, these ladies don’t have it easy, but to make things harder they also don’t have a coxswain to steer for them.
Thames Rowing Club
With a total of three crews entered into this category, it is clear to see that Thames RC have been recruiting well after their recent successes. In the (G) boat we have Campbell, Barton, Keto and Crocker. With Barton and Crocker hailing from the crew who won the Wargrave Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta 2023, this boat will be one of the fastest foursomes out on the water. The (H) crew contains Roberts, Wolstencroft, Heap and Phillipps; Heap and Wolstencroft recently won the Pairs Head. Finally, the (I) crew features Millard, Grimsley-Moore, Orrell, and Schaefer.
London Rowing Club
After a strong win for the men’s four at Henley Royal Regatta, London RC have been gaining traction and putting the pressure on their local rivals from Thames and Vesta. This unit features Hellard Timm, Newbury, Jayne-Coupe, and Griffiths. With these ladies having raced at the Pairs Head, placing respectably, they will be out to improve on their last Tideway showing.
Tyne Rowing Club
Travelling down from the north, Tyne RC have entered two crews for racing. In crew (F) we have Colley, Van de Braak, Bulmer, and Bellamy. These ladies placed respectably at the Tyne Scullers Head earlier this year to back up a pedigree of high performance racing from years spent at powerhouse Newcastle University. A similar pattern emerges when we look at the second Tyne RC crew (E), featuring Maitland, Dyer, Munro, and Peacock. It is clear to see both the ability and depth available to the squad at Tyne RC.
Others
We will also see University of London alumni club, Tyrian Club, alongside Cambridge University and Cantabrigian Rowing Club. Cambridge are current Boat Race holders and come into 2024 with every intention to reclaim that most sacred of rowing trophies. Cantabrigian have a fantastically successful program in Cambridge and regularly boat competitive women’s crews under the stewardship of Tom Copeland. UL need no introduction on the domestic racing scene and as such any boat featuring former purple oarswomen will likely have raw base speed and a fierce racing streak.
Prediction
Overall, I believe the Thames RC (G) crew will take the win, but will be closely pursued by their club-mates and Tyne RC crews. The majority of these crews have strong Tideway knowledge, so steering will be key to success, along with perfectly-timed calls and pushes along the way. Good luck ladies!
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