The Provincial Club Pennant is awarded to the fastest club not located on the River Thames. This always makes for interesting viewing as we see less well known clubs picking up accolades and clubs from opposite ends of the country competing fiercely despite no natural rivalry existing.
Cantabrigian RC
Cantabrigian return to the Tideway having won the Provincial Club Pennant in 2022. They are back to back champions, having also won the honour in 2018 – the last time WEHoRR was raced prior to the Covid disruption.
The club had a strong 2022 season, picking up numerous club honours and will want to replicate this in 2023, despite changes in their squad. The cancellation of Hammersmith Head last weekend denied the crew the chance to race on the Tideway for the first time this season, but with their experience and confidence they will be well placed to win the pennant again this year.
Nottingham RC
Nottingham return to the Tideway having placed seventh in the Women’s Championship category at Quintin Head. This experience should set them up well for this weekend as they look to better their fifth place in the Provincial Club category in 2022. At Head of the Trent last weekend they placed second, beaten by City of Bristol, a fellow Provincial Club competitor. Starting 70 places ahead of Bristol should, however, play to Nottingham’s advantage and they will aim to make the podium this year.
Tyne Amateur RC
Tyne Amateur placed second in the Provincial Club Pennant last year, so will aim to make the top step of the podium this time round. The crew were the top women’s club boat at Rutherford Head in December and comfortably won Tyne Head in February. Replicating this form on the Tideway will be impressive but their home water will prepare them well for the challenge.
City of Bristol RC
City of Bristol are a rapidly improving crew and could cause some upsets this weekend. In 2023 they have already won the Senior Women category at Quintin Head, placed sixth in a stacked field at Henley Fours and Eights and won the Head of the Trent. Last year’s WEHoRR result means the crew start 113th, a long way back on other Provincial Clubs. The crew will however be full of confidence and will hope to continue making impressive progress.
Prediction
Cantabrigian will take the win in this category this weekend, making it three pennants in a row. Tyne will sneak ahead of the other two, with Bristol improving hugely in third.
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