The cancellation of Fours Head last year left us yearning for a good race this time round; I have no doubts that the junior women’s coxless quads, some of the fastest boats, will give us just that. The championship course will test the athletes in all aspects, from mental strength to steering. Not to mention pure speed – which this category has in abundance. All this sets the scene for an exciting race.
Wycliffe College Boat Club
A school infamous for its sculling success, Wycliffe Colleg Boat Club will undoubtedly be looking to continue their hot streak after last season. They have demonstrated their talent numerous times already this season; most notably, D. O’Reilly and L. Anderson seized a 14-second win over Marlow Rowing Club to take first place at Pairs Head. After such a successful 23/24 season, this crew has some big expectations and even bigger boots to fill. I would be surprised if they were not pushing for first place next weekend.
Marlow Rowing Club
Another club that has already proved their ability this season, Marlow Rowing Club are likely to be one of the frontrunners next weekend. Marlow Rowing Club were the only other club on this list to race at Pairs Head, finishing an impressive second and third in the women’s junior 18 doubles. This crew has a wealth of experience, both Wells and Haley are well-seasoned in quadruple sculls, part of the crew which took home silver in the Girls’ Championship Quads at National Schools’ Regatta last season. There’s no question that this quad is brimming with talent, and despite their lack of international experience compared to some of their competition, they are certainly not to be underestimated.
Tideway Scullers School
With the home advantage, I believe that Tideway Scullers School will be one of the fastest junior girls’ quads of the day. With new members to the club, it appears at first glance to be rather eclectic. Most notably, J. Kerbiriou, who raced an incredibly successful season for Lea Rowing Club last year, and Habdank-Toczyska, who raced at the U19 World Rowing Championships. I. Habdank-Toczyska is not the only crew member who represented Great Britain at the U19 World Rowing Championships, A. Delevante secured silver in the junior women’s quads at the end of last season too. I am certain they will have their sights set on first place.
Hartpury University and College Boat Club
A club known for their sculling prowess, Hartpury University and College Boat Club are bound to be a highly competitive crew. The new addition of up-and-coming talent G. Janes to the club will supplement this already experienced crew. Janes saw an incredible 23/24 season, winning both the Junior British Championships and National Schools’ Regatta in the womens junior 16 doubles category, alongside this, crewmate C. Gardener represented Great Britain at the U19 World Rowing Championships in the junior womens quads to take home silver just a few months after coming second in the girls’ championship single category at National Schools’ Regatta. Whilst this crew is undoubtedly talented, I don’t expect them to be rivalling first place quite yet, nevertheless pushing for one of the top spots.
Predictions
I predict that first place will be a tough fight between Tideway Scullers School and Wycliffe College Boat Club, with Marlow Rowing Club close behind. Marlow may push second place, aiming to prove themselves against Wycliffe, but ultimately, I believe they will miss out on first place. I predict that Hartpury will put in a reasonable effort but will fall short of a podium finish this early in the season.
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