The last domestic regatta of the season is finally here: the British Rowing Junior Championships. This is a three-day event held at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham and already British Rowing have had to amend the racing timetable due to the weather. However, this time it is due to the heat rather than the wind. In the WJ18 coxless fours, there are nine crews entered and it promises for some exciting racing.
Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club
Clydesdale ARC placed third at the 2022 National Schools’ Regatta, behind George Heriot’s School Rowing club, who are not entered, and St Paul’s Girls School Boat Club, who have entered a completely new crew. However, when they transferred over to the coxed four for Henley Women’s Regatta, they only placed ninth in the time trial. It will be interesting to see if they have bounced back from this and if they can challenge for a podium position at the weekend.
Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association
ASRA won the coxed four at Henley Women’s Regatta, but this weekend they will be racing without their star pair. However, this exact crew placed fourth in the coxed four at the 2022 National Schools’ Regatta so we know they will still be pretty swift and should be in contention for the medals.
Henley Rowing Club
After a brilliant season, Henley are probably a little disappointed with their performances at Henley Royal Regatta, failing to make the final in both the eight and the quad. However, they can end their season on a high with a win at the weekend, and I think they have got a good chance
Kingston Grammar School Boat Club
KGS won bronze in this event last summer and will definitely be looking to repeat that this year. At Henley Women’s Regatta, they placed second in the time trial but unfortunately lost in the semifinals after catching a crab. This season has arguably been one of their best ever and they will certainly be looking to finish off the season with a win.
Other Entries
Molesey Boat Club and St Paul’s Girls School Boat Club are two other notable mentions. Molesey have had a pretty good season and St Paul’s is definitely a club on the rise so these two crews could potentially cause some upsets.
Prediction
I think this event is likely to come down to ASRA, Henley and KGS. Henley tend to peak earlier in the season, and ASRA are missing their top pair so I think KGS may come out on top, but it will be very close and certainly worth a watch.
Steady Steight
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