Eights Head Roundup

Brookes retained the headship for the third year running with an eight second victory over Leander Club at this years Eight’s Head, this is testament to the work these athletes have put in and showcases how in only 7 months the new Oxford Brookes Olympic Pathway Programme is already working. Oxford Brookes had 2 national team members in their boat while Leander club had 7 plus the cox of the national team.

The 2nd VIII finished 3rd, finishing just 0.1 seconds behind Leander A. They hold their third position from last year for next year’s Head- the highest placing a Brookes 2nd VIII has ever achieved and very nearly helping Brookes do a 1|2 finish.

The 3rd VIII finished 7th, winning the Bernard Churchill Trophy for the fastest full student eight. This is the 4th consecutive running of the event that Brookes have won this pennant.

Marred by a penalty, the 4th VIII dropped from 11th to 14th, with the 5th VIII moving up to an impressive 12th place as a result. The 6th VIII climbed 11 places to 19th, with the 7th VIII rising 23 places to a 53rd place finish.

This year’s race was unique, because after the cancellation of Women’s Eights Head of the River two weeks prior, the organisers offered the top 100 crews the chance to race in the men’s equivalent. Whilst a number of athletes were at Caversham for a training weekend, Brookes sent their 2nd and 3rd VIIIs. The 2nd VIII finished in an impressive second place, with the 3rd VIII 7th.

This is the final race of the spring season- the squad will now look to prepare for GB Final Trials before gearing up for BUCS Regatta, which takes place in May.

📸 All images courtesy of AllMarkOne