Raced between Chiswick and Hammersmith bridges on the outgoing tide, this race welcomes Eights, Quads and fours to challenge their competitors in an thrilling race. After Hampton Head at the start of the month, crews will be fired up ready to either defend their top positions or claim their competitors which is sure to make this head race exciting.
Putney High School
Coming middle of the field at Hampton Head in this category, the two crews entered by Putney High School will be striving to push their way up to the top at Hammersmith Head. Putney crews are regular medal-winning finalists at the National Schools’ Regatta, showing their driven and determined attitude, which they will be sure to bring to the race at the weekend.
Wimbledon High School BC
This club has gone to great heights, winning silver and bronze medals at the National Schools’ Regatta, participating in the Henley Royal Regatta qualifiers and taking numerous wins at local events including their J158+ coming 2nd at Hampton Head at the start of this month. This result will surely give the crew confidence going into the weekend. It’s no wonder that their club is ranked 20th out of 350 competing rowing schools and clubs in the country. With Wimbledon High School Boat Club’s aspiration, teamwork and value of hard work, I expect they will do incredibly well at this event.
Lady Eleanor Holles School BC
Racing regularly throughout the winter, this club has been steadily creating strong race tactics and forming cohesive crews as proven by their J15 8x ‘s 3rd at Hampton Head a few weekends ago. With a strong team spirit, I suspect they will be a dominating entry within the field.
Other Crews Racing
Many clubs including: St Paul’s Girls’ School, Emanuel School, Godolphin & Latymer School, Latymer Upper School, Sydenham High school, and Team Keane Sculling School have crews entered into Hammersmith head. This local event is an opportunity for them to build a strong platform to work from going into the summer races. Many have had success at National schools regatta and Henley royal regatta trials in the past and will be looking to build strong crew combinations and gain confidence in racing. Although not a lot of these clubs have been seen regularly over the winter races, this is an interesting opportunity for them to stand out, and maybe shake up the results a little.
Predictions
Overall, I expect Wimbledon High School Boat Club to be leading this race home, but not without Lady Eleanor Holles School hot on their heels. However, I don’t want to rule out the possibility of a smaller club sweeping up a top spot in a monumental underdog move.
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