Despite being a fairly niche boat class, the J172X has a reasonably competitive field with some of the country’s strongest sculling clubs represented. The short, downstream Hampton course will feel particularly quick in a double so lots of close racing and tight results are to be expected. The field includes a number of GB triallists, as well as representatives from last season’s GB vs. France match.
Marlow Rowing Club
Over the last few months, Ben Simon has really established himself as Marlow’s top athlete. Given that this double is entered under his name, it is fair to assume that this crew will be made up of Marlow’s current top two juniors. Simon as an individual has put in strong performances across the board in the single scull, including in a British trials environment, and I would expect him to be able to do it in a double too. Because of this I would suggest that this crew has the potential to take the win on Saturday.
Windsor Boys’ School
Windsor Boys’ School absolutely dominated the field in the J162X last season, taking gold at both the National Schools Regatta and the British Rowing Championships. Coupled with their representation at the GB vs France match, it is clear that this squad has the potential to put out very fast, very technically proficient doubles. I would expect this combination to go into the event aiming to win it, and no doubt have to be considered as one of the favourites to do so. Important to bear in mind is the fact that WBS have two doubles entered, so whether these are matched or if one is an ‘A’ crew will determine the outcome.
Molesey Boat Club
Molesey’s juniors have certainly been on the up in recent years, with great physical strength and solid depth their juniors were even able to race the Child Beale last season, which is unusual for a club rather than a school. I believe that eight had a few J16’s in it, so I would imagine that the three doubles here will be competitive come Saturday. I am expecting their quickest combination to place very near the top, and perhaps aim to take the win.
Northwich Rowing Club
Northwich are certainly a club who’ve made a name for themselves at the very top level of domestic sculling in recent years. With some big names in junior sculling, and two CH4X medals in two years, a very high standard has been set. Because of this, I would expect Northwich’s two doubles to be competitive here, whilst perhaps not being favourites for the win.
Prediction
It is difficult to ignore the precedent set by The Windsor Boy’s School last season, so they have to be considered for favourites for first place. Marlow may well have other ideas and whilst I expect them to challenge at the top, I think they will just fall short of Windsor Boys’ technical prowess and come in second. It is difficult to predict where Molesey will finish but I would certainly expect their to pairing to be challenging at the very top, and I think they will come in in third place.
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