This Saturday we will see some of the top junior women’s crews battle it out on the River Thames. Hampton Head takes place over a course of approximately 3000m downstream from Sunbury Lock and will be an excellent chance for crews to practice some higher rate pieces as we edge closer to the end of the winter training period. Unfortunately, last year the race was cancelled due to bad weather so we have no results to go off, making this year even more exciting.
Henley Rowing Club
Last year Henley were the top dogs for women’s junior rowing, winning Champ eights and WJ16 eights at the National Schools Regatta. The club have sent numerous girls to GB trials this year showcasing the depth they have throughout their junior women’s squad. We saw the girls from the 2018 Henley Champ Eight beat their main opposition last year and have no doubt they will be aiming to start a National Medal streak of their own. Henley took the win by 20 seconds at Wallingford Head in November so will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
Headington School Oxford
Headington have two eights entered into the Junior women’s eight category and one in the Women’s J15 eights category this weekend, showing their impressive squad size. After losing their National Schools Regatta medal streak last year we expect the girls from Headington to be making some big gains in attempt to regain their title again later this year. In November Headington placed fourth and sixth in the Women’s eight category at Wallingford Head, beating the likes of Oxford Brookes, Lea and Putney High School. Headington also sent a few girls to the GB Early ID Trials so it will be interesting to see if this year they have a squad match to match Henley’s.
Surbiton High School
Last year Surbiton finished sixth in the A final of National schools regatta in the School Girls coxed fours category. Four of Surbiton’s J16 girls competed at the GB vs France match in the 8+ and won gold. They also finished fourth in the Junior Girls 16 eights after being beaten by both Henley and Headington. Surbiton clearly have a lot of experience in sweep boats so it will be interesting to see if they can match their main opposition from Henley and Headington.
I have no doubt that we will see some very close results this weekend as many crews will now be well into the trialing process. We may even start to see a few standout eights emerging. Some other notable crews racing in this category are Putney High School, Lea Rowing Club and Emanuel school. My predictions for top three are:
- Henley Rowing Club
- Headington School
- Surbiton High School
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