Hampton Fours and Eights Head is raced along over 3km downstream and so, with all the recent rain, we can expect these junior eights to put down some very quick times. This event is, once again, another opportunity for the crews to test themselves against each other before Schools’ Head next month.
Henley RC
This crew came 2nd at Quintin Head last weekend in the 8+, which suggests this crew will be well warmed up for Saturday. At the end of last summer Henley placed 4th at Nat Schools in the WJ15 8+ and won the WJ16 8+ category at last spring’s Schools’ Head. From this, we can expect Henley to have a successful sweep squad and strong contenders this weekend.
Marlow RC
Marlow placed 3rd at Quintin Head this year, coming in closely behind Henley, so they’ll be hoping to close this gap on Saturday. They also came 3rd in the WJ15 8+ at Nat Schools last summer, showing a strong history in the 8+.
Surbiton High School
With a 5th at Nat Schools last summer in the WJ15 8+ and 4th at Quintin Head last weekend in the WJ16 8+ category, this crew tails just behind Henley and Marlow, but will they be able to use this experience to place in the top 3 and give the other two clubs a run for their money?
Predictions
With these 3 crews having come up against each other multiple times over the last year, we can see their times getting closer together so we can expect this weekend to provide exciting racing and close times. Overall, I think Henley will sneak the win with Marlow coming in second, closely followed by Surbiton.
LoudMouth