With ten entries, this was a hotly contested event at last year’s National Schools’ Regatta. Three weeks out from the Schools’ Head, this event is definitely one to watch.
St Paul’s
St Paul’s have been doing well this year, with strong performances in eights at Quintin and Wallingford heads. They came second at the Schools’ Head last year and then went on to win at National Schools’. If St Paul’s put out a top 8+ they are likely to be very strong contenders to win the event.
Westminster – Another very strong crew, Westminster took the J15 Schools’ Head title in 2016, and won the J16 8+ at Quintin. They will definitely be up there fighting it out for the win with the likes of St Paul’s.
Hampton – Hampton have a big and powerful crew, but failed to perform at National Schools’ last year. They will be looking to improve on their results from last year, and with a bit of refinement could be a crew to watch later in the season.
KCS – This crew won J15 1st 8+ at National Schools’ last year, and are one of the better 1st 8+ schools in general. They will have ambitions for Schools’ Head and ultimately going one better than what their J16s did last year, by medalling at National Schools’. Only a few seconds behind St Paul’s matched 8+s at Quintin, I would expect them to place fourth in this event.
Shiplake & Abingdon – We haven’t seen much of them this year. Shiplake raced a 1st 8+ last year at National Schools’, and Abingdon were well off the pace in ch8+. Both schools have strong J16 programs, and it will be interesting to see how they step on and where they are in terms of speed.
Latymer, London Oratory & St George’s college – Typically “1st 8+” schools, Latymer, London Oratory and St George’s college will be battling it out for 7th, 8th 9th and 9th places.
My Prediction:
- Westminster
- St Paul’s
- Hampton
- KCS
- Shiplake
- Abingdon
- Latymer
- London Oratory
- St. George’s college
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