Alas the days of squinting at the sun are over as we return to the chilliness of Heads season. Chester LDS is held over 5km and will mark the start of the season for many of these competitors. The WJ4x is a small race this year, with only four separate clubs, but with the triumph of Henley being only last month, the competition should be strong.
Trentham BC
This club is one of the majority in that it raced this event at Henley Royal. They got through to the Thursday, having beaten Wycliffe’s B crew, but were warded off the semi finals by Shiplake. With the optimism of a new season and the absence of the club that beat them, a good result is well within the realm of possibility.
St Edward’s Sch
Oddly, Teddies had the exact same result at HWR and HRR in this event. They were knocked out in the semi finals of both when they were beaten by Marlow. The stiff competition could have done the crew some good in the intermittent time between seasons, but Marlow’s lead was a respectable 4 lengths so Teddies may have their work cut out for them with stronger crews as this season progresses. Especially since they have two entries, I would be surprised if they didn’t get a place on the proverbial podium.
York City RC
This, here, is a match up with some history. Despite not having a quad out at HWR, York City was knocked out on the Thursday of HRR, by St Edward’s no less. York could well have used the budding rivalry to propel themselves to the higher level this new season will bring, but they’ll have three lengths to make up if they want to best St Edward’s this time.
Prediction
Given their success over York City RC, I’d put my money on a win for one of the St Edward’s crews. The former will likely take second place, but the remaining order will have to be fought out between Trentham and the two crews from the King’s School Chester, who less can be found on. No matter what the result, hopefully the experience now will put these clubs in good stead for success in the new season.
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