The Women’s Junior 15 coxed quad category at Hampton Small Boats Head is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle with its challenging 3000-metre course known for its demanding combination of technique, power, and endurance. With a mix of established contenders and emerging talent, the race promises to be an intense battle from start to finish.
Putney High School Boat Club
Putney High School Boat Club has emerged as one of the standout crews in this category, riding a wave of success across the autumn racing calendar. Their victory at Bedford Autumn Small Boats Head saw them complete the 2000-metre course in an impressive 7:25, reflecting their raw speed and technical skill. However, the Putney girls must ensure they handle the jump to a 3000-metre course as it will test their endurance.
Putney’s dominance extends beyond head races: their first-place finishes at the Cambridge Autumn Regatta and Hammersmith Regatta last season highlight their versatility across different formats. A key victory at Hammersmith saw them beat Claire’s Court School Boat Club by two-thirds of a length in the Women’s Junior 14 coxed quads category. It is also notable to mention that with 31 year-10 athletes competing at Bedford, the depth of Putney’s squad gives them an invaluable edge in inter-squad competition, which could translate into a top-tier performance at Hampton.
Wallingford Rowing Club
Wallingford Rowing Club is another team to watch, having consistently performed at a high level this season. Their standout result came at Gloucester Autumn Head, where they posted a remarkable 7:00 over the 2000m course. This time was 25 seconds faster than Putney High School Boat Club’s result at Bedford, though different conditions could have played a role. Nevertheless, Wallingford’s performance sets the stage for an exciting head-to-head battle between these two powerhouses.
Their winning streak also includes golds at Reading Amateur and Walton and Weybridge regattas last season, reinforcing their credentials in the Women’s Junior 14 coxed quads category. While shorter courses have been their forte, Wallingford’s consistency extends to national-level competition, with an 11th-place finish at the National Schools’ Regatta last season. Their proven ability to perform under pressure makes them strong contenders for the win at Hampton.
Sir William Perkins’s School Rowing Club
Sir William Perkins’s School Rowing Club may not have the same string of first-place finishes as some of their rivals have shown, they can compete with the best at highly competitive events. Their 10th-place finish on the 5.2km course at Kingston Small Boats Head earlier this season is an encouraging result, suggesting that the slightly shorter 3km course at Hampton might play to their advantage.
Last season, Sir William Perkins’s placed 11th at the British Rowing Junior and Senior Club Championships and 19th at the National Schools’ Regatta in the Women’s Junior 14 coxed quads category. While these results don’t place them at the very top, they are consistently within striking distance of the podium. With six entries in this upcoming event, their squad depth gives them plenty of chances to mix things up and secure a strong finish. Expect them to be in the conversation for a medal if everything comes together on the day.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Surbiton High School’s Boat Club strength lies in the depth of their squad and their track record of success. Last season, they were crowned champions in the Women’s Junior 14 eight at the National Schools’ Regatta, with their second crew taking an impressive bronze medal in the same category. This double-medal haul speaks volumes about the quality of athletes within their program.
That said, the transition to longer distances has been a mixed bag for Surbiton. Their Women’s Junior 14 eight placed ninth at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head last May over a challenging 3,600m course, suggesting endurance-focused head races might not be their strongest suit. However, they have shown they can deliver in close finishes: at Kingston Regatta, they narrowly missed out on gold, losing by just half a length to Henley Rowing Club. With this competitive edge and a squad capable of producing multiple strong entries, Surbiton are well-positioned to push for a top-three finish.
Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club
Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club bring a strong reputation for regatta racing and will aim to translate this success into the head racing format. Their victories at Molesey Regatta and Bedford Amateur Regatta last season underscore their sprinting power and technical prowess. However, Hampton’s 3,000m course will require a different level of endurance and strategic pacing.
Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club’s Women’s Junior 14 eight claimed silver at the National Schools’ Regatta last season, only adding to their strong pedigree. While their 15th-place finish at the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head last season suggests they may face challenges over longer distances, it’s worth noting they finished just two places behind Sir William Perkins’s School Rowing Club. With six entries in this category, Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club have the squad depth to mount a serious challenge, and it will be fascinating to see if their crews can rise to the occasion and clinch a podium spot.
Notable Mentions
Although Claire’s Court School Boat Club haven’t dominated the top of the podium, they remain competitive; their semi-final finish at Kingston Regatta last season, where they lost to Henley by just 1¼ lengths, suggests they have the potential to challenge for a medal here. Henley Rowing Club are always a force to be reckoned with. They took first overall at the Kingston Regatta last season, defeating several crews racing in this category; their track record makes them a wildcard for this weekend. Rob Roy Boat Club also delivered an impressive performance at the Oarsport British Rowing Junior Championships last season, winning the B final and placing seventh overall. While they may not be favourites, they are certainly a crew to watch. Maidenhead Rowing Club came agonizingly close to a medal at the British Junior and Senior Club Championships, finishing fourth and missing out on bronze by just 0.12 seconds. They are a dark horse in this category and could surprise the field if they deliver a strong performance.
Prediction
The battle for first place is likely to come down to Wallingford Rowing Club and Putney High School Boat Club, with Wallingford’s faster times over longer courses giving them a slight edge. Putney’s depth and proven ability to perform across formats make them strong contenders for silver.
The race for the final podium spot I think will be a close contest between Sir William Perkins’s, Surbiton High School, and Lady Eleanor Holles. While Sir William Perkins’s consistent performances and Surbiton’s sprinting prowess make them the favourites, Lady Eleanor Holles’s strong squad depth and regatta experience cannot be overlooked.
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