Without last years winners, Thames RC, to contend with it suddenly seems this category has opened up somewhat. With many of the athletes in this event part of seasoned clubs, who are not only used to multilane races but also racing each other, the Women’s Club Coxed Fours look set to give us some good racing. What happens this weekend will set up the next few months, and builds off the back of a gruelling head race season. Equally, with little racing so far this season due to flooding, it will be a battle on the water for each crew to prove themselves.
Cantabrigian Rowing Club
Off the back of a decisive victory in the club coxed fours category at Head of the Cam, winning the event by over a minute, the Cambridge native crew will be hoping to collect another set of pots. The club has had a good season so far with the senior boat winning the Provincial Pennant at Women’s Head of the River this year. It is time for them to turn a strong head result into a regatta win, and to do so would continue the momentum they have created so far.
Molesey Boat Club
The Molesey women have been making a comeback over the last few seasons. Racing in black and white, the girls will be looking to prove themselves after a disappointing 78th place at WEHoRR, given the previous year’s second eight placed in the top 30. This result and the vindication they may be seeking, combined with the history of victories that decorate Molesey, mean they are certainly contenders for the trophy.
Upper Thames Rowing Club
Upper Thames is certainly strong competition. Their second eight managed to place 58th overall at Women’s Head of the River in March which is no mean feat. They also have a lot of entries this weekend, with two eights in the challenge category, illustrating a depth to the squad that will no doubt help this coxed four.
Vesta Rowing Club
Following the departure of their head women’s coach last year, Vesta’s squad has thinned out slightly (with some athletes having popped next door and joined Thames RC instead). That being said, Vesta is the only club having entered 2 boats into this category, and still produced some decent times at WEHoRR. They also came third in this event in 2023, just behind their rivals Thames and Cantabrigian, so they have something to prove going into this year.
Prediction
Generally, it is hard to tell in categories such as this one who will rise to the occasion and who will sink. However, I imagine these aforementioned crews will fill up the A final with a tight battle to first, as evidenced by their close times at the WEHoRR, with a likely win from Upper Thames, Molesey or Cantabrigian.
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