The last of Bedford Rowing Club’s three events this year, the Autumn Small Boats Head is back with a promising group of young athletes. For all of the crews competing in the Women’s J16 quads, it will be their first big head race of the season. Looking back on last year and the most recent regatta season, both this race and upcoming season alike promise to be intense and captivating.3
Lea Rowing Club
Historically, Lea Rowing Club have had the most success at this race, giving them both the drive and experience as a club to place at the top yet again. Having had winners in this category for the last two races (2021 and 2019), Lea RC is in the best possible position for top results. The crew competing this year were also the winners on this course last year in the WJ15 4X+ category. Notably, they also placed 14th at the Oarsport Scullery Head in March, giving them experience with how to plan for a 2km head course. With this combined proficiency as both a club and a crew, Lea RC are in the perfect position to place close to the top spot on Sunday.
Peterborough City Rowing Club
Despite having not entered this competition in recent years, Peterborough City Rowing Club has entered a strong crew, with results such as 20th at British Rowing Junior Championships earlier this year in the Women’s J15 4X+. This crew also performed highly at the National Schools’ Regatta, placing an impressive 9th overall. This determination as a crew will hopefully push them well down through the course as long as they manage to pace themselves similarly to previous races.
Globe Rowing Club
Following the great success at British Rowing Junior Championships back in July where Globe Rowing Club WJ15’s Double secured first place, the quad will be hoping to prove themselves as a larger crew boat on Sunday. Although they have not been seen at as many events as other clubs in this category, Globe RC will be sure to take to the water with fortitude and establish their place.
Other entries
Bedford Modern School has entered two crews; perhaps they will have the added push to prove themselves for a top spot on their home water.
Staines Boat Club have entered three crews, which statistically gives them the highest probability of a top spot with their no less than twelve scullers racing for a medal place in this category.
My predictions
- Lea Rowing Club – Dias-Watson (106)
- Peterborough City Rowing Club – Campo (208)
- Globe Rowing Club – Tewelde (415)