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In past seasons the British Rowing Junior Championships has always concluded the summer racing season, with it being around the start of the summer holidays. This year, the junior and senior championships have been combined to make one mammoth four-day-long event. Racing on Saturday 20th July, the open junior 18 double sculls may be the last chance for some of these athletes to race for their respective clubs before leaving the junior circuit – one last hurrah. Although missing some of the big hitters, presumably tied up in GB commitments, this event still has 47 entries, so expect some tight racing which gives the smaller clubs the chance to shine.
Hartpury College Boat Club
Historically producing some excellent scullers, the Gloucester club have three crews entered in this event. Their top crew is comprised of half of their top quad which has had a strong season; coming sixth at the National Schools’ Regatta and making the Friday of Henley Royal Regatta. Their A boat could be the pace setters in this event, especially given the other five crews from the NSR A-Final will not be in attendance this weekend.
Windsor Boys School Boat Club
Along with a massive entry across almost all boys’ events at the British Junior Championships, Windsor Boys have two entries in this event. They are a force to be reckoned with in sculling, winning numerous national medals this season along with the Fawley Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. The athletes entered here may not be those who won at Henley, but when it comes to sculling you cannot rule Windsor Boys out.
Lea Rowing Club
With two boats entered in this event, the men from east London will hope to mount a decent challenge this Saturday. The A boat is seemingly formed from their eighth-place NSR quad which made it through a single round at Henley. Their B boat is the double which made the B-final at National Schools’ – extra time spent in the double since then could be to their advantage. Both crews will be gunning for top positions in this event.
Other entries
Newark RC have competed in the double all regatta season with success, with an A-final at National Schools the highlight. Given this boat is a combination that has been together for a long time, they could easily challenge for the top spots. Northwich RC have had a strong season, with their entry being two of the quad which made it to the second round at Henley Royal. They could mount a challenge this weekend.
Predictions
This will be a very close event, but I expect crews from Lea and Hartpury near the top. Windsor Boys and Newark could be other names to make the A-final. This category looks like it will be a very exciting watch.
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