For the first time since 2019, some of the UK’s strongest Junior Men’s Eights will be hoping to test their mettle across the pond at the largest 2-day regatta in the world. After several small boat events including Pairs Head and Wallingford LDS, the challenge of stepping back into an eight, perhaps for the first time since Henley, will reward experienced and technically adept crews. With fitness and stamina also under the microscope over the course’s challenging turns, the 90 crews entered should be in for some excellent racing.
King’s College School Wimbledon
KCS fielded an unprecedented crew last season, earning a bronze medal at National Schools’ Regatta and a race on semi-finals day of Henley Royal Regatta for the first time in the club’s history. Aided by the potential return of several strong athletes, including those from the British U19 World Championships and Coupe de la Jeunesse teams, the pressure will be on for the crew to build on the successes of the summer season. Early indications are positive, with Tom Corbett and Sam Scowen placing sub-14 minutes at the Pairs Head, although the strength of the crew as a whole will be crucial in the fight for top billing at the Head of the Charles.
Westminster School
Facing their Tideway neighbours KCS, Westminster will also be looking to capitalise on the strength of returning athletes, including from the GB U19 Men’s Eight which took silver at the World Championships. However, with no entries into either Wallingford LDS or Pairs Head, it’s difficult to gauge the speed and depth of Westminster’s current squad, leaving much to be decided in Boston on race day.
King’s School Chester
No strangers to competing against international crews after their dominant performance against The Scots College at Henley, King’s Chester will be looking to deepen their experience of head racing on the Charles and pit themselves against some of the sport’s finest crews. With strength in smaller boats throughout much of the 2022 season, it remains to be seen how much of the speed acquired can be transferred into the eight in this all-important international event.
Greenwich Crew
Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, and a stalwart of the American Junior rowing scene, Greenwich could be the crew to beat on race day in Boston. As 2021 Junior National Champions, they have shown a depth of squad which is more than likely to challenge even the top British crews. With a home advantage on top, the competition will have their work cut out to topple Greenwich.
St Joseph’s Preparatory School
Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, St Joseph’s have plenty of recent pedigree in the Head of the Charles, particularly as 2nd place finishers and current holders of the Jesuit Challenge Cup for their first varsity eight. With additional national titles under their belt, Greenwich and the others will have to jostle to compete with St Joseph’s in what will undoubtedly be some exhilarating racing.
Predictions
With all five of these crews likely to perform well, the ranking of the British vs American crews will likely come down to whether the British can overcome jetlag and adapt to rowing on an entirely new stretch of water to make the most of their speed from training. Given these challenges, I’d back either Greenwich or St Joseph’s, but I certainly wouldn’t rule out a particularly strong performance from either KCS or Westminster to give the Americans a run for their money.
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