With head season now in full swing after the string of dissapointments and cancellations last year, this weekend’s Hampton Head will allow crews to establish themselves before the start of the regatta season. They will be ready to set some fast times on this shorter 3000m course ahead of the Women’s and Schools’ Head of the River and National Schools’.
Wimbledon High School Boat Club
Having had an impressive season last year, taking gold at National Schools’ in the WJ15 8+, and beating Henley Rowing Club by four seconds, this crew will be hard to beat and looking to widen the gap between themselves and Henley, who will indisputably be hot on their heels. I am sure they will be battling it out for the top spots this weekend.
Henley Rowing Club
Henley have also had a solid season, finishing second at National Schools’ in the WJ15+ and recently taking first at Quintin Head. I have no doubt that they will be out to claim gold at National Schools’ over Wimbledon in the 8+ later this season, and you might say the best preparation for that right now is getting in their heads early on, with a strong result this weekend.
Latymer Upper School Boat Club
Latymer looked strong last season, taking third at National Schools’ over Surbiton by a mere 0.5seconds, but Surbiton proved to have the edge at Quintin Head this year, taking 3rd and Latymer fourth. It’s interesting to see a rivalary continue into the New Year, something which will surely provide some interesting viewership over the 3000m of Hampton. I’d say that Surbiton will be fighting to retain their advantage this weekend.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Surbiton have already shown us their strength this season, finishing second at Quintin Head, beating Latymer by four seconds, and previously finishing fourth at National Schools’. With a well-founded women’s eights’ program, this young crew will be looking to follow in the footsteps of their seniors at the club, aiming for a top three spot this weekend.
Predictions
It’s interesting to see that even by J16, we are beginning to see battles between common names and recurring rivalries. For the athletes it can add a human aspect to the sport, as you get to know your opposition, one day losing against them and coming back yet stronger another to win. So while I think Henley RC will be chomping at the bit to take down Wimbledon, this stand-out crew from WHSBC was so strong last year, Hampton should be theirs with HRC coming second. For third I think it’ll be a tough battle, coming down to the intricacies of a head race: steeing, stamina etc. Given their performance so recently at Quintin, I think Surbiton will take this one over Latymer.
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