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Returning to Strathclyde after eight years away is the highly anticipated British Junior Championships. Only the most dedicated of crews will make the journey up north to face one of the most competitive races of the junior rowing calendar. Back with a new timetable, where J16 events start on Friday and span the whole weekend, it will be a long weekend for all. Rounding off regatta season, these crews will be pushed into stamina training for the long winter races ahead of them.
Kingston Rowing Club
The silver medallists from the national schools regatta are back with a thirst for glory. With the National Schools Champions not making the trek up to Scotland, the gold is right in Kingston’s sights and is theirs for the taking. After qualifying for Henley Women’s Regatta, Kingston were knocked out the first round by a rapid Headington School quad, who will not be present at this regatta. The absentees leaving a clear path behind them for Kingston to claim victory and the national championship title.
George Watson’s College
After not racing Nat Schools, George Watson’s College flew through Henley Women’s qualifiers to give them a place in the quarter-finals. However, the victory was short-lived after Putney High School beat them to the line. After a 19th place finish earlier this year at the Junior Sculling Head, George Watson’s College are on a climb through the rankings and I expect these girls to be racing for an A final placing.
Stratford-Upon-Avon Boat Club
After having a consistent season, SUABC will be looking for a high-placing finish to finish off their summer regattas. A recent twelfth place at NSR and a further 3rd place in the second quads put them on a good path for an A final or medals.
Rob Roy Boat Club
Just beating Stratford at NSR, Rob Roy crossed the line victoriously pushing back from 6th in the B final to 3rd in the B final. A near miss at the Henley Women’s time trials will be leaving this crew hungry for more and a chance at redemption comes in the form of British championship medals.
Prediction
Having been on form all year, I can’t see anyone challenging the strong crew that is Kingston. Following them I believe George Watson’s College could claim the silver with a feisty battle for third between Stratford and Rob Roy.
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