The annual Erne Head of the River takes place this Saturday, March 4, over the renowned six kilometre course.

For the first time since the inaugural race in 1957 the men's and women's' races will be separate races

The women's race starts at 11am and there is a high class field of 29 entries.

This can be seen in the Junior 18 event where there are six crews from the four provinces - two from Galway; St. Michael's, Limerick; Commercial, Dublin; and ERBC.

Home knowledge may be very useful as the water is low and the flow is benign so coxing knowhow could be vital.

The men's race begins at 1.30pm and there are 55 entries in this race.

There is top class Senior action including the Irish champions UCD but there is the prospect of an enthralling race at J18 level.

ERBC are defending their title against seven other crews including Coleraine, Belfast Inst, St. Michael's, another younger ERBC crew, St. Ignatius' College, Galway and the perennial foe St. Joseph's College Galway who won the Irish championship from ERBC last season by three centimetres.

There are numerous other entries from ERBC at the various age groups as well as Masters Eights from the Portora men and women.

The action can be viewed from the Killyhevlin Hotel, Stuart's car park or the West Bridge.

Local crew numbers:

Women's Race 11am

3 - Enniskillen RBC - W. Junior 8+

9 - Enniskillen RBC - W. Junior 16 8+

18 - Enniskillen RBC - W. Junior 15 8+

20 - Enniskillen RBC - W. Junior 8x+

23 - Portora BC (Vet D) - W. Master 8+

28 - Enniskillen RBC (A) - W. Junior 8x+

29 - Enniskillen RBC (B) - W. Junior 8x+

Men's Race 1.30pm

110 - Enniskillen RBC (A) - M. Junior 8+

116 - Enniskillen RBC (B) - M. Junior 8+

122 - Enniskillen RBC - M. Junior 16 8+

135 - Portora BC (Vet D) - M. Master 8+

143 - Enniskillen RBC - M. Junior 15 8+

149 - Enniskillen RBC - M. Junior 15 8x+

152 - Enniskillen RBC (A) - M. Junior 14 8x+

153 - Enniskillen RBC (B) - M. Junior 14 8x+

154 - Enniskillen RBC (C) - M. Junior 14 8x+