It has been a wet and windy start to the year and unfortunately, a few events have been cancelled. However, the Hammersmith Head is set to go ahead this Sunday and the J16 crews have been training hard to ensure that they are at their best for the 4.5km course. It is one of the most iconic stretches of water in the world of rowing with the race starting at Chiswick Bridge and ending at Hammersmith. The J16 8+ is the category that strangely kicks off the day of racing and they will be looking to start the event with some exciting racing. Here’s a look at some of the crews that are expected to perform well at the event.
Shiplake College BC
Shiplake are favorites going into this event. They are in a fine vein of form having won Hampton Head earlier on in the year and also performing well at the Quintin Head. They came third at the Hammersmith Head last year and will be looking to push on from that result and come away with the gold medal.
St Paul’s BC
The J16s from St Paul’s will be in the mix as they always are. Having finished this event 4th last year, they will need to row well if they are to improve and finish in a medal position. They will be out for revenge as Shiplake beat them at the Quintin Head and it looks like the win will be between these two crews.
Norwich School BC
Norwich have been working hard to shake off their mid-table label over the past few months. Last year they finished the Hampton Head 6th but they are on pace to really fight for a top-three place this weekend. Their third-place finish at the Hampton Head will give them confidence and they will be looking to finish equally as well this weekend.
Dulwich College BC
Dulwich may be one of the weaker crews in this event but they will be looking to impress and show that their training is paying off. They came 21st last year and will be determined to prove themselves and get a strong result here to really kick start their season.
Others
Latymer Upper, Great Marlow and Radley College are all strong, established crews who will all be in the mix on Sunday. There is not going to be much time separating them all!
Prediction
If Shiplake get down the course and keep their composure then it will be surprising if they don’t come away with the win. St Paul’s and Norwich won’t be far behind and it will be close throughout the field. It will be interesting to see if setting off first impacts their performances at all. There are only eight crews in this event and it seems strange that so many have decided not to race this year. It is set to be a cracker and will be the perfect start to a full day of racing on the Tideway.
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