Fours Head marks the transition back into crew boats as clubs gear up to begin this year’s sweeping season. On this notoriously difficult stretch of the Tideway, the skill of both the coxswains and rowers are put to the test. Undertaking the challenge this year are 18 crews competing in the WJ18 Coxed Fours event, faced with the 6.8km course from Chiswick to Putney Bridge.
Henley RC
After Henley’s domination of the J16 season last year, making a clean sweep of the 4s events to represent GB at the GB vs France match, success at Henley Women’s and double gold in the J16 & J18 women’s 8s at National Schools’ Regatta, they seem poised to repeat their success of last year and win the event for a second year running. With many of their athletes trialling this year for GB U19, it seems the strength of the Henley program is endless, giving them a massive pool of talent for this event.
St Paul’s Girls School
Entering 3 crews into the event, these girls are up for some ferocious competition, both externally and against each other. SPGS A’s crew in particular seems formidable, with the lineup including the Pair’s Head winners from last month and 2 athletes who trialled recently at Boston for GB under 19. This will bring a level of confidence and experience to what is already a powerful crew.
Surbiton High School
Surbiton High School has come off of a successful 21/22 season, missing out very narrowly on gold to Henley at both Henley Women’s and National Schools’ Regatta WJ18 Eights. Their historically successful programme seems to be continuing strongly, with representation at the Junior World Championships as well as at the J16 GB vs France match and Coupe de la Jeunesse last year.
Other Entries
With this being the first 4’s event of the season, the strength of many schools and junior clubs remains uncertain with the likes of Bedford Girls School, Godolphin & Latymer School, Lady Eleanor Holles School and Emanuel School as well as many others bringing strong crews that will add things to the mix.
Predictions
With all of this in mind, it seems St Paul’s Girls have the best chance of challenging Henley for victory, but tumultuous Tideway always promises a unique experience for these adept rowers as they attempt to set the standard as high as possible as they embark on their 22/23 season.
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