This coming weekend will see over 480 crews take to the Tideway, for what always proves to be an excellent day of racing. This 6800m course is a great test of endurance and stamina, and for the rowers in this category they have the added challenge of being coxless. Although this is a comparatively small field, I’m certain there will be some great racing from all involved.
Lea
Lea has a very good reputation in these sweeping events, their junior squad has great depth and is full of talented rowers. McDonald was part of the WJ18 8+ that placed 2nd at Junior National Championships and also the WJ18 2- that came 1st, so is clearly part of a very successful group of girls and I’m sure this will be carried forward into this race. Lea rowers also have already had small boat success this season, bagging both 3rd and 4th spots at Pairs Head.
Marlow
Marlow is another club with a long history of good results, and this group of girls is no exception. Brogan was part of the Marlow’s impressive WJ16 quad from last season, winning the Junior GB v France match, and gaining top 4 spots at NSR and Nat Champs. It’s not clear how many of Brogan’s crew mates will be following her into this four, but I have no doubt that this four will be very competitive.
Henley
Marlow’s closest rivals last season were the girls from just upriver – Henley. Hills was part of the WJ16 4x- that beat the Marlow quad at Nat Champs to come first, and also the WJ16 4x- that came first at NSR. Henley also has a strong sweeping reputation, as the WJ18 8+ (which also included Hills) came first at NSR. It seems as if this Henley crew will deliver a great race, and on the basis of last seasons form, potentially a close one.
Godolphin and Latymer School
Godolphin and Latymer produced a strong girls coxed four last season, their best result was getting into the A final at NSR. Despite the strength of the other crews in this category, there is no reason why this crew shouldn’t get a good result.
Predictions
This is a tight race to call, as the crews from Marlow, Henley and Lea will all be very strong, but if I had to choose I would say the Henley crew might just take the win. There are also entries from Walton and Maidstone Invicta, adding to this very competitive category.
SweepingSculler
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