Winter Rowing League - WEHORR Preview
With just days until the Women's Eights Head of the River Race, the Winter Rowing League finale for the Women's crews, it's all to play for!
WEHORR and HORR both offer double points to double the number of crews, meaning that instead of the top 50, it's the top 100 crews that will earn points for their club.
After Yorkshire Head, the University of York is sitting pretty at the top of the women's league on 248 points after a dominant showing at the local Yorkshire Head. They lead London by 21 points, Vesta by 28, and student rivals Newcastle University by 38. Newcastle has only raced once so far this season, amassing all of their points on their doorstep at Rutherford Head.
Oxford Brookes to Shake Up the Standings?
While having some points in the bag is obviously desirable, Oxford Brookes will be making their league debut at WEHORR after a disappointing season of race cancellations on the upper end of the Thames. With six eights entered into WEHORR (chasing a theoretical maximum of 585 points if they secured the top six places), anything is possible. Even five crews in the top 50 could push them upwards of 450 points.
Mid-Table Battles Intensify
Further down the table, some cracking battles are shaping up. Just 16 points separate Headington School, Shiplake College, and Lady Eleanor Holles, who currently sit in 15th, 16th, and 17th place, respectively. Headington has the numbers with four eights entered versus just two from Shiplake and LEH. But it's quality that counts—points will only be earned by those crews finishing in the top 100.
A Tight Race Near the Cutoff
An unlikely rivalry is developing even further down the table between Aberdeen Schools, Auriol Kensington, and Royal Chester. All three clubs are currently tied on 42 points in 47th, 48th, and 49th place. (Note to self: Implement the ability to have joint places!)
Whatever happens, WEHORR is really going to shake things up, and we're here for it…!