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In the wake of HRR, athletes are sometimes happy to find an excuse to continue their training in the glorious sunshine of the summer and henceset their sights on the British Junior Rowing Championships. Considering that it is not commonly the blue riband category, events in the J18 coxless four have been limited this year. However, a small group of key competitors for a medal do make themselves known on the entries list. Potentially ironically, none of these key competitor clubs are typical sweep rowing specialists.
The Windsor Boys’ School
Whilst more commonly a school associated with its pedigree in the quads, this year Windsor Boys’ School recorded a solid performance at HRR in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup for schoolboy eights. A strong win over Norwich School saw them face off against eventual finalists and previous holders of the event St Paul’s School. A tough run of things to be sure. Nevertheless, their clear win over Norwich and strong performances in the quad sculls (making A finals at NSR in both champ and 2nd 4x categories) demonstrate impressive squad depth and capability in sweep events. If a strong lineup is to be presented, they will be in good standing for a medal.
The Tideway Scullers School
Yet another programme associated with its pedigree in the quads, TSS is also one of the few large-name clubs in this event. Fielding entries in every Junior Men’s category save for championship eights at BRJC this year. Their top quad had a strong HRR campaign, until an unfortunate turn of fate saw them come up against Sir William Borlase’s School, who placed 4th at NSR. Despite this, Tideway remains to be considered one of the best clubs on the junior circuit and so it is very probable that TSS will be strongly in medal contention.
Claire’s Court School
following the trend as another club regularly associated with the quadruple sculls is Claire’s Court School. Sweep entries from CCS this year have been limited. With no eight being entered at HRR and instead the decision to send multiple quads was rewarded by the qualification of two quads for the Fawley Challenge Cup. In years past, CCS has managed to consistently qualify an eight for the PE. Indicating that should they please, CCS are more than capable of adopting sweep rowing competently enough to get on par with some of the strongest names in the game.
Predictions
It is likely that either Tidway Scullers or Windsor Boys’ will take home the gold medal. With Claire’s Court following closely behind in the bronze medal position. After having qualified an eight and progressing through a round in a sweep event at HRR, Windsor Boys are in my opinion the favourite. However, uncertainty regarding lineups at this time of the year and questions about how each club has used their time since Henley Royal could make this any man’s game.
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