The challenge pennant is contested by crews with more than two years of experience, however, have not yet reached the late stages of significant national competition. This pennant makes up the bulk of crews for this weekend’s race, with a massive 173 entries. As women’s club rowing becomes increasingly competitive, so does the competition to take home this piece of silverware.
Vesta Rowing Club ‘A’ ‘B’ ‘C’
Previously winning the pennant in the 2022 race, Vesta Rowing Club will be eager to attempt to win back its historical title. As the 24th crew set to pass through Chiswick Bridge, Vesta will be the first of the challenge crews to begin racing. Following the performances from their women’s intermediate eights at Hammersmith and Quintin Head, the squad will be confident as they finish their preparations for the weekend.
Lea Rowing Club ‘B’
With four crews entering the challenge pennant, Lea Rowing Club will colour the Tideway orange this weekend. The ‘B’ crew will be the 45th boat to start, making them another one of the highest starting challenge crews. The 2022 British Rowing Club of the Year continues to go from strength to strength, having recently acquired two new women’s eights- the squad are set up for a strong performance.
Tideway Scullers School ‘C’
Boating from just below Chiswick Bridge, the Tideway Scullers School is sending off a massive six crews this weekend (making them the club with the third-largest number of entries). It will be exciting to see how their challenge ‘C’ crew performs as the women’s squad begins to return to its former depth.
Predictions
Their strong performances this season and home water advantage make Vesta Rowing Club highly competitive within the challenge pennant. However, the increasing competitiveness of women’s club rowing means multiple clubs will be vying to take home the silverware this weekend.
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