Bedford Autumn Small Boats Head, another head to swing back into the season following on from Wallingford. With a rough 2.5k stretch, these athletes have a chance to develop endurance, and experience and demonstrate their crew’s gelled abilities. Although only a few clubs have entered this category, all the crews seem to be on a level playing field allowing some healthy competition to take place. Considering the worsening but inevitable weather conditions, skill will be very important for the quads to finish successfully. To my knowledge, this head may be the first for a lot of the crews racing this weekend so it will be exciting to see what they produce!
Lea RC
Lea has been known for years to produce a club of strong junior competitors and rowing of high standards. A few members of the crew reached the B final at National Schools in their J16 quad, where they now have an opportunity to step up into the senior squad to see how they can do. Last year Lea won this event in their quad, and I am sure they will be aiming to replicate this once again.
Bedford Girls School
With the advantage of a home stretch and knowing the twists and turns of the River Ouse, this quad could have a firm place for a top spot. This weekend they will row on their home stretch to secure a win. Although I cannot find much data about the crew, I believe that their training on the course will have equipped them much better than other crews.
Norwich School
Norwich stands as one of the regular club competitors of the Bedford heads and regattas, expressing their experience of the course. However, with Bedford standing as one of the earlier Head races of the season, the result is less important than the trajectory of improvement these girls will undoubtedly experience through the year. With a shorter head-race distance, the start will be crucial which Norwich School will have to master for this weekend.
Bedford Modern School
Reaching the B final at National Schools, this levels the crew with the rest of their competitors and much like Bedford Girls, they will no doubt have an advantage of the stretch of water and will be able to use a well-honed steering line to their advantage. The BC last season entered a successful quad into Henley Royal Regatta, reaching day 3, which showcases the high standard of sculling taught at the school and sets the bar high for their competing crew this weekend.
Predictions
Other crews racing include Peterborough, Globe RC and Staines BC all of whom no doubt will do well. With Fours Head looming in the distance and competitive racing against local clubs, this will be beneficial for their experience and preparation. Overall, I don’t see one crew outshining another and I believe the times will be relatively similar, however, I predict Lea RC and Bedford Girls School have a high chance at securing the top spot.
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