Warm weather, blue Skies. Not quite what we’ve been blessed with so recently however it looks like our fate is changing. These are the telltale signs that regatta season is upon us so let them tell their wonderful tales of long summer days filled with eight-lane racing and regatta tent sandwiches. With the head racing season behind us, these crews will be looking forward to these shorter races and the chance to impress, with National Schools’ Regatta only a few weeks away
The Windsor Boys School Boat Club
One of the titans of junior sculling, Windsor Boys will be looking to dominate the small competition come race day. After ending their head season with a commanding win at The Scullery and a very recent win at the Junior Sculling Regatta, Windsor Boys will hope to continue their triumphant start to regatta season. They have been seeded to the final already, it seems the organisers of this event concur with our predictions, so perhaps they hope their extra rest will give them an edge in the race.
South Africa Schools Rowing Union
Maybe a less familiar name to those on the British junior rowing circuit, the South Africa Schools Rowing Union was established by their national rowing administrative body to promote and plan the development of the country’s junior rowing programme. After hiring new coaches, announcing their 2023 dev. squad, we’ve recently seen them break onto the UK rowing scene. Having just come from the Junior Sculling Regatta, and coming second in the B final, they will know that they have a relatively quick boat that can bring some competition. Although not quite as fast as some of the other big names like Windsor Boys, after their recent racing experience South Africa Schools will know where they lie in relation to them, and hope to improve on that time. I believe South African Schools will make quick work of Oundle School and hope that the shorter distance can play to their advantage.
Oundle School
With no recent showings at The Scullery or Junior Sculling Regatta, it will be hard to place Oundle School. They may take advantage of being relatively unknown to both other crews but also face a disadvantage for the same reasons. Oundle will provide an element of mystery going into this race and may be able to use this in their race against South African Schools and hope their underdog credentials propel them into the final with Windsor Boys.
Predictions
I think it is clear that Windsor Boys will take an easy win in Bedford. With two recent wins under their belt, they will be full of confidence on race day and will have fresher legs in their race compared to a crew that has already raced.
- Windsor Boys
- South African Schools
- Oundle School
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