Featuring on the same day as the Championship Girls Eight category, this event largely features athletes who haven’t made their respective club or school’s top eight. Of course, in some cases, the coxed four is the primary boat in which case this event takes on an even greater significance. Let’s take you through the runners and riders.
Henley
You almost begin to grow tired of seeing this name at the top of a preview. Such is the strength in depth that this program possesses, crews are essentially competing for minor medals whenever Henley’s name appears on the roster. None of this crew even feature in the top eight, which gives you an indication of just how strong they are. They won at the Schools’ Head and again at Wallingford, although the latter victory may not have been attributed to this crew – I’m unsure if some of the eight filled in. Irregardless, you have to mark this boat out as strong favourites for the win in an event they’ve become increasingly used to conquering.
Marlow
With a strong eight already making waves, this four are in a good position approaching Saturday. Assuming, of course, that this crew finished second at Wallingford, there’ll be eyeing a podium position at the National Schools’ Regatta. They were twelve seconds behind Henley, a margin too vast to overcome in three weeks, but were crucially seven seconds clear of the next nearest challengers. A solid performance should see these girls return home with some silverware.
Putney High School
With two crews entered, it is strange that this school didn’t opt to enter an eight. In any case, I’ve enjoyed watching this boat club grow in the past few years – they’re based down at Putney Embankment and have been producing some very decent crews. With a third-placed finish at Wallingford solidifying a silver medal at the Schools’ Head in March, they’ve got to be considered as a favourite to win a medal on Saturday. Having the added benefit of training with two crews all year will surely have had a positive impact on both boats, leading to internal competition that can stimulate speed.
Sir William Borlase
Until quite recently, we were used to seeing this name on the podium of the Championship Girls Eights category. Their expectations have been adjusted somewhat since the glory years of Robin Dowell, but they still regularly compete in a variety of events in national competition. This crew were fourth at Wallingford Regatta, behind the crews listed above, but a strong performance can always push people into contention for a medal, particularly if the field is tight. Borlase are always excellent racers and experienced athletes and I think they’ll be a dark horse on Saturday.
Surbiton
Undoubtedly one of the class crews in this event, Surbiton have been slowly building their boat club from scratch over the past few years. They’ve won national medals and brought through outstanding athletes, including the likes of Lola Anderson. If my information is correct, this crew finished sixth at Wallingford and the Schools’ Head, setting them up well for a performance to remember this weekend. If they can make the ‘A’ final, that’ll be job well done. Anything beyond that would represent a fantastic return on their investments.
Lady Eleanor Holles
Ninth at the Schools’ Head was transformed into fifth at Wallingford, demonstrating that this crew are moving in the right direction. If they can continue on that trajectory, they will be on course to move into the medal spots by Saturday. Of course, sport doesn’t work like that but these girls come from a well-established rowing school with plenty of pedigree and resource to build speed. They will certainly be hopeful of winding up in the ‘A’ final, and once you’re there, anything can happen.
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