Now that we’re deep into the racing season and getting into the thick of Tideway heads, most crews have transitioned from mixed boats into their set lineups. This shift clarifies who will likely dominate at the Schools’ Head of the River and beyond into summer racing. With 20 crews entered, St Paul’s School and Hampton School show the most depth, each fielding three eights. Familiar rivalries from Quintin Head resurface alongside fresh competition, promising an exciting and closely fought race.
St Paul’s School Boat Club
Bow numbers 68 and 70, starting first and third in the Junior 15 eights category, these crews likely represent their A and B crews. After a likely disappointing loss at Quintin Head behind King’s College’s A crew, these boys are likely seeking vengeance. Their ‘A’ boat claimed a silver medal at the National Schools’ Regatta, and they clearly show high levels of rowing prowess but just seem to be missing that top spot at a major event. However, with a good training block in, and with them charging towards Schools’ Head on their home water, I doubt you’ll find any squad more prepared than the SPS boys.
King’s College School Boat Club
Despite a second-place finish in the National Schools’ Regatta B-final last year, King’s College, the winners at Quintin Head, have clearly bounced back this year with remarkable form. Bow number 71, and kicking off the Junior 15 group, I expect their A crew to be one of the fastest Junior 15 eights on the water. Their B crew closely follows, showcasing the depth of their squad, and with a home-water advantage, allowing their likely skilled coxes to take the optimal line, they’re in a great place to secure another strong result.
Hampton School Boat Club
Last year’s National Schools’ Regatta champions are back, but their low starting position at Hammersmith Head, with all three of their eights starting in the bottom five, may show a potential dip in their squad strength as they have been unable to emulate last year’s dominant performance. A slower performance at the BASHER Head saw two of their fastest eights finish over a minute behind their counterparts at St Paul’s. With an unfamiliar course on the Tideway, the odds seem stacked against Hampton. However, their squad depth is almost scary and with some fine-tuning before this weekend and Schools’ Head, they could mount a serious challenge to the other crews.
Prediction
There are other crews entered here that possess a real ability to do well; Henley Rowing Club have an eight likely filled with some of their National Schools’ gold-winning quad, and Latymer will possess the Tideway experience that will enable them to make smart steering decisions. Overall though, I think it’s going to be St Paul’s to take the win, with King’s College in second, from there – it’s all to play for.
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