All imagery credit to AllMarkOne
Despite the weather not looking its finest, 36 crews have entered the highly competitive women’s junior 16 double sculls. The crews journeying up to Motherwell, Scotland have not disappointed and be prepared to see a thrilling spectacle of racing on the Friday when the J16 events now begin.
Sir William Perkins School
Missing out on the silver medal at Nat Schools by 0.04 seconds, Sir William Perkins will be out to prove their worth and claim their rightful place on the podium. Crossing every marker within half a second of the second place finishers, Tideway Scullers, these girls have proved to be a powerful crew with the mental strength to push right through to then end in every single stroke. With TSS or Wycliffe present in this category I expect Sir William Perkins’ to cruise to the A final with almost definitely medals to bring home.
Kingston Rowing Club
Having had a very successful quad season, Kingston are dabbling into the doubles field scouting for further successes. Doubling up on the entries, bow and three seat have joined together to form an undeniably strong combination and claiming a spot on the list of ones to watch.
Wallingford Rowing Club
After claiming victory at the Junior Sculling Regatta, Wallingford have made themselves known as someone to beat. Staying dominant over crews such at Wycliffe and Sir William Perkins’, stamina and speed is no issue to this crew. A further victory in the WJ16 8+ At National Schools, proves whole squad strength and tidy technique coming out of the Oxford-based club.
Royal Grammar School Worcester
A new crew this season, after a change in clubs for one of the rowers, but certainly a new crew that has challenged existing competition on the national circuit placing 5th at the National Schools Regatta. With the stroke seat placing second at this event in the singles last year, we can expect a well crafted race plan and some strong races to come out of this double.
Prediction
With this many strong crews, I do not believe there is a clear winner. With every race having a new winner and the same crews in the rankings just below, the win is going to be hotly contested between competitors. I can see Sir William Perkins School coming out on top but only just in front of Wallingford, who in turn are followed home by Kingston. All of these places are being divided by mere seconds and I expect some split-second margins and incredible battles coming down the lake- I look forward to watching this one!
About The Author
