A strong showing from St. Paul’s in this, the boys’ J16 doubles, as well as from the London Oratory. My favourite to win this event on Saturday, would be one of the Paul’s doubles, most likely Calato’s double, with Calato himself forming part of the successful Paul’s J15 CH8+ last year, which placed fourth in the final of National Schools’. St. Paul’s – Hamber will also be quick, as Hamber also rowed in their J15 1st VIII last year. More recently, Paul’s have given us a glimpse of things to come this year with 4 of their J16 doubles placing in the top five at Reading Small Boats Head. Could these eight guys emulate the successful head season of last year’s J16 VIII? If they can dominate again on Saturday, it’s highly possible. Calato and Woods (also a Pauline), finished sixth and fifth respectively at Reading when they raced in the single. It is difficult to predict which Paul’s boat will likely take the win at Hampton as I imagine that these are still very flexible crews and are very mixed. However, clubs such as Marlow and Maidenhead can never be ruled out as they continue to consistently prouduce quick scullers and doubles. Marlow – Simon came third last year in the J15 doubles at National Schools’, and recently attended GB Trials in Boston. I expect this crew to be quite quick at the moment and could challenge a few of the St. Paul’s crews on Saturday. One or two of the London Oratory crews could be in contention for the top five this weekend, most probably LOS – Maury and Gillen, but again these would be mixed crews so it is hard to predict this.
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