Over the 1,200m course in Bedfordshire, 12 junior 16 eights will vie for glory in this year’s 2024 Bedford regatta, across a first and second boat category. Radley, St Paul’s, Abingdon and St Edwards are some of the rowing institutions whose J16 first eights will be among the competition this Saturday. Since 1853, Bedford Amateur Regatta, raced on the River Great Ouse, has challenged competitors over a much shorter course than the standard 2000m of regatta racing, through the beautiful town of Bedford. The race plan for this length, however, will likely be very similar for these crews, with the only change being settling to a more powerful, possibly higher-rate mid race pace. All said, who will come out on top?
St Paul’s Boat Club
St Paul’s are, as we all know, no newcomers to the world of rowing success. With this eight working off the back of a victory at Wallingford regatta over the likes of King’s College Wimbledon, Radley and Westminster, they will be going into Bedford regatta with considerable, and justified confidence that they will put out a stellar performance. As the favourites in this race, after a season of fabulous results so far including a victory over the considerably longer Schools’ Head of the River course along the Tideway, there is a strong chance that they will craft a great race on Saturday.
Radley College Boat Club
Last year, this crew (competing in the J15 eights event) came out victorious at Bedford regatta. The question remains as to whether they can step up and claim the next eligible title? Though they came fifth at Schools’ Head, they have made considerable steps on since then, placing third at Wallingford. As such, they are looking to give St Paul’s a real run for their money in Bedford this weekend.
Abingdon School
Abingdon, having placed eighth at the Schools’ Head, will also be looking to go far in this regatta. Considering Radley are racing St Paul’s in the first round and so one of them will be eliminated quickly, Abingdon will have a good chance to show their racing spirit over a much shorter course than National Schools’ Regatta, which is coming up in a few weeks.
Prediction
My prediction is that, after a difficult and close first race against Radley, St Paul’s should come out victorious, due to their plethora of fantastic results this season and the winning history that comes with the club. However, I am sure Radley will put up a good fight. That first contest for both of these clubs will be vital, but, after this point, whomever wins from the two will likely go on to win Bedford Regatta. No matter what, Bedford promises, as always, to be a close, highly-anticipated and exciting race for competitors and spectators alike.
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