The Junior British Championships is often forced to play second-fiddle to the historic National School’s Regatta, but I think that these championships are absolutely vital and more important to junior rowing, than first meets the eye. The nature of the event being held after the academic year finishes subsequently means there are less entries, particularly from the “big” schools- who tend to finish the season at Henley. Nonetheless, it is a huge three-day event with national titles at stake. I would argue that the British Championships is the most inclusive national event for junior rowers, with no qualifying, no limit to entries, the geography of it being in Nottingham and that everyone entered progresses from the time trial to at least a minor final. I think this format promotes great values, in that we all have the opportunity to impress on a national scale and to compete against some of the very best in Great Britain. The double sculls is a great competition, somewhere in-between the physiologically advantaged champions of the single scull and the all-round brilliance of teams who dominate the quad. It’s an event that can often produce rapid times but also is a chance for clubs with smaller squads to make surprise victories over the more well-known names. As the final race for most of these girl’s junior career, we are bound to witness some gritty performances and an “up-set” is never off the cards.
Tideway Sculler’s School have had various combinations entered into this event throughout regatta season. The Goodall boat look to be favourites after they finished National Schools’ Regatta in 4th place and none of the medallists are returning for the British Championships. TSS also won at the Junior Sculling Regatta, beating Sir William Perkin’s by a mere 0.3 seconds. Their second boat, under the name Kelly, might face a challenge in reaching the A final, after coming 21st in the NSR time trial.
York City seem to have a very promising entry in this event, as the girls have produced solid results all season, including 5th place at NSR, just 2 seconds behind TSS Goodall. Bonner and Edmunds should be on for a medal, especially since they recently made it to the Henley Women’s Regatta semi-final – being knocked out by City of Oxford– who will not be racing at Holme Pierrepoint next week. The final between York City and TSS could prove to be one of the tightest of the weekend.
The girls from Walton have been up and around the top places all year but are yet to execute and bring home an all-important medal. With a field of very fast times produced at the Junior Sculling Regatta, they were a little off the pace, finishing in 7th place and 24 seconds behind TSS. Yet, a very respectable 6th place at NSR, 7 seconds behind York, suggests that they are also in strong contention for the podium.
Other crews that will be challenging to make the A final include; Eton Excelsior, The King’s School Ely, Sir William Perkin’s and Maidenhead. Eton Excelsior are not quite as fast as the likes of York and TSS but still managed 9th at the Junior Sculling Regatta among tough crews. The King’s School, Ely may even press for the podium after coming 7th at NSR while producing a time that would have seen them actually finish 4th, should they have made the A final. The Sir William Perkin’s girls haven’t had many entries in this category but a 2nd at the Junior Sculling Regatta implies they should be in the top 6 at least. Again, Maidenhead have clearly not prioritised the double, but did progress through 2 rounds at Henley Women’s Regatta, which proves they are capable and carry speed.
Prediction:
- Tideway Sculler’s School
- York City
- Walton
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