Brookes vs Oxford Men & Reading University Head

On Saturday Brookes took to the Tideway and Reading University Head. OBUBC raced Oxford, in a local derby and the first fixture for the men this season. Both crews raced their respective Blue Boat and Isis counterparts over two pieces – from Putney to the Eyot, then restarting again at the Eyot, and finishing at the University Finish Post by Chiswick Bridge.

In both races, Brookes won the toss and chose the Middlesex station. In the Blue boat fixture, there was an initial fight for control over the stream, however, after some clean, composed rowing in tricky conditions Brookes continued to edge away throughout the first piece to win by 3 lengths.
For the second piece, Brookes remained on the Middlesex station and despite a competitive start from the Blue Boat, Brookes broke clear on the inside of the final bend to take the win by 2 lengths.

In the Isis fixture, Brookes took an early lead in the first piece and were able to break clear water by Harrods Depository. Brookes II won the first piece by 2.5 lengths again in some very challenging conditions with blustery winds. After some clashing at the start of the second piece, Brookes won convincingly by 3 lengths.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Brookes squad were competing at Reading University Head. Despite a relatively quiet entry it posed as an excellent challenge for the group over a long course as preparations in the lead up to Women’s Head and Head of the River continues. Some great experience was gained by the whole group over two divisions, Brookes were the winners in:
Open Band 1 Men’s Eights AM & PM
Open Band 2 Men’s Eights AM & PM
Open Band 1 Women’s Eights AM & PM
Open Band 2 Women’s Eights PM

An exciting weekend of racing approaches, with the Women’s Head of the River on Saturday at 14.45 and the Cambridge Men’s Fixture on Sunday.