With Henley Royal over and done with we now come to the last big competitive junior event of the season. With an astonishing 34 crews entered I’m sure the J18 2x will produce some exceptional racing.
Windsor Boys School
Windsor need no introduction, after their astonishing all Fawley final we see Henley winner, Charlie Warren and Henley finalist Dylan James in the double this weekend. These 2 will be an exceptional match up as they have been together since the age of 14. They will both be doubling up on the day as they have an entry in the quad as well. Both have exceptional slickness and strength which I feel they will get through the hot weather racing quite easily.
Weybridge Rowing Club
The Crew from Weybridge has had an exceptional season so far. With a first place in the J17 2x at the Junior Sculling Regatta and a 3rd place in the Ch 2x at the National Schools. I feel that Weybridge will challenge the likes of Windsor to the line. With these two lads being J17 I am ecstatic on what results they’ll produce next season, it is also impressive to see a smaller club rival the big names more familiar in the circuit.
Kingston Rowing Club
Here we have Kingston, probably a lesser known club in the junior rowing world but this season has increased their growing popularity through impressive results across sculling and sweep, in both men’s and women’s categories. With a 2nd place at the Junior Sculling head in March and a first round win at Henley Royal in the quad, these 2 lads knows how it feels to beat 3 Windsor crews. With being in the quad for most of the season it will be very interesting to see how they fair in the double.
Exeter Rowing Club
Here we have the duo from Exeter, based down south Exeter have recently produced some exceptional Junior sculling talent and I’m sure these lads will be no exception. Rhys Stephenson and Sam Wickham will be more than ready for a hot contested battle against the likes of Windsor and Weybridge. With Sam’s brother Oliver winning the double category every year since he was a J14, Sam will have a lot to live up to.
Prediction
I feel there will be a stand out winner, but it will be extremely close for the other medal spots that are available. With a long, warm weekend of racing ahead of them, this is what I think will happen this weekend:
1st – Windsor Boys School
2nd – Weybridge Rowing Club
3rd – Kingston Rowing Club
4th – Exeter Rowing Club
But in hindsight, the double being such an agile boat, I expect to see some upsets across the diverse field.
Image Credit: Drew Smith
Copyright: Drew Smith Photography
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