For almost 50 years, competitive schools heading into the summer racing-season grace the 3000m stretch of Hampton ‘Big Boats’ Head. This year, more than ever, it is a special occaison. After a long streak of the go-to head races being cancelled, Fours Head being a particularly touchy subject here, this is one of the first events where we finally get to see if the winter ergs have paid off. The result of Hampton may be an early sneak peek to this year’s podium at events such as Junior Sculling Regatta and National Schools’ – making it one to watch.
18 top level W J15 8+’s will boat, but only one can win…
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Due to their performance last year, Surbiton for me is one of the greatest contenders for the top spot. Last season SBT-SHAW, dominated the WJ14 8+, getting gold at both the Junior Sculling Head and Regatta. Barely missing out on gold at National Schools’ by 0.38s, my faith is in Surbiton to avenge their past: starting strong with Hampton Head. Looking at their second boats also, the two eights entered also have potential to give Surbiton a double gold with some of the athletes previously being a part of the WJ14 8+ that comfortably placed fifth last JSR. With a hope that their performance will mirror that of their fellow crew, Surbiton look strong for the weekend.
Henley Rowing Club
As many know, Henley year-on-year produces high quality crews, with this 8+ being no different. Consistent A-finalists in both NSR and JSR last year, Henley are a very real threat to all crews entered. From observation however, their success normally lies in their sculling, with them winning last year’s National Schools’ in the 4x+. Yet it must be said that there is no doubt their determination carries through to their sweep rowing; inevitably placing Henley in the top five this weekend.
Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club
Three LEH crews are racing on Saturday, with a high possibility that one will make the podium. With a new season ahead, it will be exciting to see if these rowers will be able to replicate their last season’s performances (LEH-NAUGHTON being the stand out boat). If this is the same crew that secured a third place in last year’s JSH and fifth in the NSR time trial, I have no doubt in their potential. With such strong performances in time trial conditions which are almost extremely similar to racing at Hampton Head, this boat will prove a worthy challenge.
Putney High School Boat Club
In comparison to the crews above, Putney may seem an underdog, but they deserve recognition of their ability and capability. Last season, Putney frequented the B-Finals of national events. Winning NSR after a comfortable seventh place in the time trial shows their abitility to come back from being somewhat down, a trait well-utilised in head races. And at the beginning of the year, coming fifth in JSH. It’s clear that the solo-style racing seems to suit Putney, so it would not be wise to rule them out too soon. Coming-in-hot is their second boat. Going off later than their other crew, this B-boat has been given a good opportunity to gain some time from the other crews and secure a secure finish position.
Wimbledon High School Boat Club
Like Putney, Wimbledon has had a successful but low-radar season last year. Coming sixth in JSH, WHS-CLEMMIE also secured themselves third place in the B-final of National Schools’. Within their own club, Wimbledon has a successful lineage of 8+, with the age group above winning last year’s NSR. With these high expectations and a beneficial placement in the draw, Wimbledon has solid chances to gain some time on unsuspecting crews. My confidence is also with WHS-AANYA to raise the stakes with a similar show-down brewing, just after the first set of WJ15 8+ races. Making it a truly nail-biting event and one to look out for.
Predictions:
WJ15 2nd 8+
- Surbiton High School Boat Club
2. Putney High School Boat Club
3. Wimbledon High School Boat Club
WJ15 8+
- Surbiton High School Boat Club
2. Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club
3. Henley Rowing Club
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