The head season is well and truly underway. Up next is the Fours Head, held on the infamous Championship Course. Starting in Chiswick and ending in Putney, this course is notorious for being a tough one to steer and manage, as the Tideway is known for its temperamental conditions. The Junior Women’s Coxless Fours has a relatively small number of entries compared to other junior events, at only 12, but don’t let that number fool you as it shapes up to a fascinating category.
Hinksey Sculling School
Where to begin… This boat is stacked with international athletes with multiple GB vests between them. Macartney and Noyes represented GB at the Coupe de la Jeunesse in Amsterdam this summer together in the 8+ with two golds. Marcartney and Noyes then raced in the 4+ and 4- respectively, both achieving a further two silver medals. Myers and Shepperd also competed abroad at the Junior World Championships, where Sheppered took silver at this event for the second year in a row. Myers was also at Worlds but in the 8+, taking the gold in a tight final. Domestically, two out of these four were in the Hinksey 4- that were so dominant in winning at National Schools’ Regatta in this boat category, and three were in their 8+ for Henley Royal last season. With this amount of continued success, Hinksey are my crew to win.
Henley Rowing Club
Now this wouldn’t be a Fours Head JW4- preview without Henley RC being mentioned, seeing as they are the two-time defending champions bred from a programme of pedigree and renown. Just like Hinksey, this Henley boat has made it to the international junior rowing scene: Simmons (HRC) rowed with Noyes (Hinksey) in the 4- at Coupe de la Jeunesse and Smith (HRC) with Macartney (Hinksey). These girls all know each other well through the GB trialing process, which adds a personal touch to the race and an air of excitement. HRC teammate Weiser was in the quad that came third at National Schools’ last year showing success at the highest levels of UK rowing. This is a boat to watch out for – a potential upset to the strong Hinksey girls. Can Henley go three for three?
Honourable mentions:
It would be wrong of me to say this is a two-horse race. As we found out last year anything can happen at Fours Head, with Wycliffe’s JW4x ‘A’ boat withdrawing due to mechanical issues even though they were tipped to win. There are some strong entries in this category from Tideway Scullers School, who have a homewater advantage. This is also true for the Latymer Upper School Boat Club crew entered. Alongside them the Lady Elenor Holles Boat Club, a stalwart of the domestic junior women’s sweep circuit, are hoping for a resurgence to their pre-covid highs. Whilst these boats may not be able to beat Hinksey or Henley, the fight for a top-five finish looks tight indeed.
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