Four’s head is one of the most famous head races in the world with an elite level of competition. This year there have been an extensive 44 entries, this event has some truly top-quality crews competing. The big hitter such as, The Windsor Boys School, Henley Rowing Club, Leander and more are all out in force.
The Windsor Boys School
The club that needs no introduction, Windsor’s sculling programme is simply phenomenal, coached by Mark Wilkinson, world class crews are produced every season, and this year is no exception. Leading off the field is their A boat, they were the runners up in the Fawley Challenge Cup last season and they are hungry for victory this time round. They are certainly the favourites for this event. What is better than one rapid boat? Well two rapid boats. Windsor B are equally as impressive, winning the 2nd 4x at the National Schools’ Regatta and reaching the Friday in the Fawley. The depth of talent here is sublime, a possible 1-2 finish is on the cards here and maybe Windsor C may be at the sharp end of things.
Henley Rowing Club
With 2 boats entered Henley have a strong depth of athletes travelling to the tideway. Their A boat is a very well-established crew with some very strong results. Most notably a 4th place finish in the championship quads at the National Schools’ Regatta. Despite this they will still be no match for the mighty Windsor.
Leander
The most iconic rowing club in the world, Leander have an incredibly successful history at the Fours Head. Subsequently any crew bearing the pink hippo has great expectation to perform well. Although having a superb quad last year a few of those athletes have moved onto seniors and it will be interesting to see how this new combination fares against the other quality crews.
Westminster
Another household name in junior men’s rowing. Westminster are actually the reigning champions of this event as they won this event back in 2019. In addition to this being based on the tideway these boys will be used to choppy water and have better knowledge of the fastest line, this may be vital at a race where steering can make such a colossal difference to your race result.
Worthy mentions
Tideway Scullers School have numerous boats entered and coming from such a strong junior squad good things will be expected by these boys. York City are also a dark horse who may produce an unexpected result.
Predictions
For me, I see no other crew that can beat Windsor this weekend, so I firmly in belief that they will win, and their B boat to finish second. Third is less clear cut, but I recon Leander will pip Henley to it.
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