British Junior Championships is the penultimate national event of the late season, and currently, the only marker left before Henley Royal Regatta, hence explaining the unusual field, which is typically dominated by smaller clubs. Following some shock at Henley Women’s Regatta, it will be interesting to see how the crews, who are familiar to each other, perform in a more standard structure of competition, for instance we see the return of the semi-final for the first time this season.
Firstly, the revered Shiplake College crew return to the scene, but not how we may expect. It seems the college have entered their ‘second’ crew, in place of the undefeated First IV, who themselves attend the event in smaller boat categories. However, they are certainly not to be dismissed, after a dominate victory in the Wimbledon Centenary Cup at NSR, in a time of 7:29.75, 15 seconds ahead of silver. After a mysterious difference post Henley Women’s Time Trial, where they raced with no recording of time, it will be no surprise if Shiplake’s crew can replicate the performance of their contemporaries.
Wallingford have showed speed throughout the season and will surely thrive over the summer break, where schoolgirl athletes may be displaced away from training. This being said, particularly, Wallingford have displayed strength in shorter distances. For instance, we can easily recall their gutsy move in the final of the Sheriff’s Cup at NSR, where speed out the blocks ensured a substantial lead until the last 750m, in addition to the HWR Time Trial, where they took third seed in the 1250m dash. I hope they can maintain their reputation in such a varied field.
Ever the wildcards, Wycliffe will add their regular eye-raise to the field. Despite placing 1st in the Henley Women’s Regatta time trial, in a quick 4:12.2, due to steering malfunction and subsequent broken blade, their HWR dreams were ruined in the first heat. Following a 4th place finish at NSR and changes in crew formation, Wycliffe will certainly be in contention for a medal with names such as Marlow absent from the field.
Headington, who have recently shown favour to the Junior Women’s Eight, continue to showcase their depth of talent, with a competitive entry into both categories. The quad entered however appears a composite of J16 and ‘Second crew’ racers, not dissimilar to the boat who placed 2nd in the Wimbledon Centenary Cup at NSR. Due to a lack of Headington entries in J16 events, we can assume this is their top crew in the age band and will being youthful challenge to their older competitors.
Coming out of nowhere, York laid down an astounding precedent at Henley Women’s Regatta, consequently shaking other medal contenders, placing an impressive 4th in the time trial, only losing to eventual victors Shiplake in the Semi Finals. Based on such little past performance, it is hard to estimate the potential of this crew, but I believe they will pose a strong contention moving forward in the late stages of this season.
We must also acknowledge that Hartpury and Sir William Perkins’s School are capable of reaching finals at the competition, however, are yet execute a standout performance, with the former for instance indicating the double as top boat.
In the small entry pool of 23 boats, it will be all to play for at the top, in the last major event before Henley Royal Regatta, especially in the loss of key contenders, who have recently hoarded the medal podium.
RayRows
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