It’s at this point in the season, where we really begin to see which crews autumn training regimes have really paid off. This Saturday, the most effective clubs will see their crews fly down the 3000m course stretching downstream from Sunbury Lock to claim victory in the Hampton Small boats head.
Surbiton High school Boat club
Described as, “one of the leading rowing programmes for girls in the country”, this club promotes a “fun and enjoyable environment” where athletes “develop an understanding of accountability to themselves, the crew and the club.” It is with this ethos that Surbiton High School Boat Club has had athletes compete both on the national and international stage over the last few years. They have crews entered into this race and will be hoping for strong performances from all.
Kingston Rowing Club
One of the oldest rowing clubs in the world, and with the opportunity to train on the idyllic uninterrupted water of the Thames, this club has the ingredients to produce unstoppable boats. Earlier on in the autumn, they had two J15 crews winning the Kingston Small Boats Head on their home stretch. This makes them appear to be strong contestants in an upcoming race, and their crew is definitely one to look out for.
Sir William Perkin’s School Rowing Club
Coached by the highly competent Chris Boddy, who has led this school on to win a medal in Nation al Schools’ Regatta last year, alongside a crew racing to the semi-finals of Henley’s Women’s Regatta. This race will be an opportunity for their three crews entered to continue this success and follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before.
Marlow Rowing club
An ambitious club, who’ve placed regularly over the last couple of months, I believe that they’ll be coming to Hampton with high expectations to succeed. This gives their three quads a dangerous edge…doubtless making the competition very interesting!
Putney High School Boat Club
Old hands when it comes to producing results under pressure, proved by Putney High School Boat Club winning both a J16 and J17 crew won at Henley Women’s Regatta in 2017. This weekend in Hampton they have 3 crews racing for the podium, with, I believe, a fighting chance.
Tideway scullers school
With three wins at Henley Women’s Regatta in 2019 and much more recent success, this triumphant club has two crews entered into this race. Tideway Scullaer School has a highly active junior programme, which is well supported by high-quality training programmes, putting them in a strong position to produce notable results.
Wallingford rowing club
Described as a “dynamic, successful rowing club”, Wallingford Rowing Club has had several crews placing well in the races earlier on in the season. They have one quad racing on Saturday and I have expectations to see their talent shine.
Also racing are the following clubs: Fulham Reach Boat Club, Kingston Rowing club, Barn Elms Rowing club, Guildford Rowing Club, Molesey Boat Club, and Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Clib; each with one respectable entry, all of whom will have aspirational targets for this race.
Predictions
Overall, I believe that this will be a closely competed race, with high tensions and high stakes. Crews will really be pushing themselves to the full and I expect to see Kingston Rowing club, Marlow Rowing Club and Putney High School Boat Club placing high in this race.
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