Hampton’s 3000m battle downstream makes for fast and furious racing in the nicest of conditions, but in the wake of Storm Bert, a quicker stream will transform this race into a grapple for victory between a whole series of skilled crews across both divisions. With Fours Head cancelled due to the weather, many of these 21 boats will be itching for a good race and will come to Hampton in top racing form.
Rob Roy Boat Club
Starting ahead of fierce competition from massive programs, the strength of Lara Matthams’ crew is clear. Matthams herself boasts silver from last year’s Junior Sculling Regatta in J17 doubles and a matching medal in junior women’s quads from Brit Champs in July – she will be looking to make a clear statement of her club’s ability ahead of her final season as a junior. Rob Roy proclaim themselves to be Cambridge’s most successful junior squad and seem only to be on the up, with consistent strength in their small boat results. I look forward to seeing how this talented crew will fare at the very front of this race.
Sir William Perkins’ School
Before even taking to the water, Sir William Perkins have made a display of dominance with five doubles entered, more than anyone else in the field. Nicholas and Thornton are two standout crews, setting off second and third respectively with international pedigree and a National Schools’ medal in the double on board each boat. This season, J17 Nicholas has already snatched victory from a stacked field of singles at Kingston Small Boats Head, and returns from a second place finish in the single at U19 Early IDs. Thornton, who was recently ranked tenth in the U21s at GB U23 trials, has seen her own victory at Gloucester Autumn Head, also in the single. J17s Parker and Cummins closely follow in the draw, chasing from fifth and sixth respectively. Though it’s not clear who they’re partnered with for this contest, any of these crews can be expected to place highly in the race, with Nicholas and Thornton in particular pushing each other’s boats to very top of this category.
Molesey Boat Club
Locals to Hampton’s stretch, Molesey most recently raced just down-river in Walbrook, laying down a 39 second margin to take the win in women’s junior quads at Teddington Head two weeks ago. J17 Thompson rises to the challenge of Hampton off the back of a successful season in Molesey’s J16 quad, making the A final at the Junior Sculling Regatta in May and taking eighth place at the National Schools’ shortly after. Backed by the pedigree of Molesey’s program and close familiarity with the course, the practiced sculling of Molesey’s juniors make Thompson’s double an intimidating force in this race.
Lea Rowing Club
Having recently posted a competitive fifth place at Henley Sculls in J18 doubles, Sara Loser takes the reins of this Lea double in a step up from last season’s second quad. The cancellations of many a race so far this season leave some rusty to the ways of a head race, so this recent showing from Loser speaks clearly to the crew’s potential, even from the middle of the pack. Lea are no strangers to success in the double, most notably making the finals of Henley Women’s Regatta last year – this crew will be poised to pick up the mantle and continue a successful streak.
Kew House School Boat Club
Like other clubs in this category, Kew House made an appearance in Boston for U19 trials two weeks ago, where Taylor-Aubrey managed 31st place in women’s singles – not a result to take lightly in a field of over 100. She seems primed to maintain a high standard for Kew House into the winter season, as a returning member of the club’s top eight that finished last season with a club first: qualifying into the Prince Phillip at Henley Royal Regatta. J17 Prest follows behind from ninth in the second division draw and will set the tone for new members of Kew House’s senior squad.
Lady Eleanor Holles’ Boat Club
Tearing down the river in quick succession will be three crews from Lady Eleanor Holles, including doubles steered by Adams and Graham, returners from last year’s second eight that took fourth at NSR. Not to be doubted on the sculling side, Adams placed 11th in WJ18 doubles at the recent Pairs Head, with Graham managing 22nd in a large and competitive field. Lady Eleanor Holles’ strength in eights is never in doubt, but it’s always a pleasure to see them rival other clubs with two blades in hand.
Other entries
Mary Garrod of King’s School Ely moves into the double off a 37 second win at Star Head of the River in her single – this outfit will surely move a small boat quickly from the middle of the pack. Pangbourne College’s scullers are unclear from the draw, entered only under their club’s name, but with an exciting silver at National Schools’ in the coxless four, there ought to be much excitement around Pangbourne’s ongoing projects. Emanuel School appear twice in the draw, with Kelly and O’Connor reprising their crews that took 16th and 18th at Pairs Head, ahead of some of their competition.
Predictions
Sir William Perkins have proven as of late that they are a club to beat – I’d expect Nicholas and Thornton to make the top three, if not winning first and second between them. Rob Roy could be in a strong position to complete the podium, but will be pushed hard by the local Molesey Boat Club, who may well beat them to third place. Kew House and Lea have both made exciting steps on and cannot be discounted in what will likely be a close race for many crews.
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