As the new season begins, with old seniors having graduated and fresh blood stepping up to the mark, Fours Head allows us to see not only who will conquer the gruelling 6.8km down the Tideway but also the establishment of a new pecking order, which inevitably leaves us with a new top dog. While the November conditions promise to challenge the 18 crews entered into this category, these rowers are lucky enough to leave the steering to their coxes and focus on putting down the power, stroke after stroke.
Henley Rowing Club
By entering two crews, Henley have doubled their chances for dominance in this event. With both crews comprised entirely of National Schools’ medalists, both crews seem to be formidable forces to their competition. Between the two crews, Henley (F) look to have the edge, comprising two athletes from their first 8+ last year and being under the guidance of their Henley Royal Regatta experienced cox. That being said, it is dangerous to underestimate the ferocity of inter-club competition, especially when there is something to prove.
St Edward’s School Boat Club
Coming off the back of massive success from last season, the girls from St Edward’s hope to carry this momentum forward. This crew contains two of their National Schools’ gold medalists including their cox, from the coxed fours event as well as three other strong and experienced athletes. Hopefully, this will give them an edge in the tough conditions that the event is bound to bring.
St Paul’s Girl’s School Boat Club
With two athletes having placed well not long ago at Pair’s Head, these girls have undeniable experience on this course. A mix of J18s who, once upon a time in their glory days found themselves with an NSR silver medal in the WJ16 8+, and young J17s eager, with something to prove – this crew looks promising but are yet to establish a strong position for themselves.
Other Entries
Early-season head races are often used to build up experience and offer a quick shot of adrenaline before the onset of a cold hard winter. In this regard, many clubs seem to be using this event to mix younger athletes with more experienced girls. Wimbledon High School Boat Club, Hinksey Sculling School and Godolphin & Latymer Boat Club seem to all be examples of this, combining established J18s with up-and-coming J16s and J17s. This means that it is hard to picture these crews dominating at this early stage, but promises a bright and exciting season to come.
Predictions
It is hard to count against Henley’s dominance in this event, evidenced by the track record of both the club and the competing athletes. I predict Henley (F) to take the title with the possibility of a 1-2 finish for the club. If anyone can disrupt them, I would suggest the girls in blue from St Edward’s have the best chance. All that being said the Tideway promises both a test and a spectacle, where nothing is ever certain.
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