This weekend marks under a month to go to Schools’ Head, and as such, crews are starting to try to get out, to see what was gained over the winter, and to gauge their speed. This brings us onto Henley Fours and Eights head, an event where some schools will be aiming to get their 2019 campaign up and running, especially after the cancelled Hampton head. Racing over 3000m, this is by no means a test of endurance, but will be a good test to see the top end speed of the crews, and gain some invaluable experience on the Henley course. The Junior Fours event has only three entries this year, which perhaps reflects the fact that junior entries were made available at Molesey Vets Head, or perhaps the proximity to junior trials. Nevertheless, there will still be plenty of competition.
First up is Shiplake School. The local school have what is presumably a first eight, entered in division one, which implies that it is highly likely that this boat could be a second four, however this does not mean that this is a weak entry. It is highly likely that this boat will be made up of some of Shiplake’s J17 cohort, who managed to qualify for the temple last year, meaning that this will be a fast four, and home water will mean that they are my prediction for the win.
Dulwich College have also entered a four, and with no racing in the morning, there is a good chance that this could be a strong, top four. With little racing under their belts, it is hard to say where Dulwich will be, but will be hoping for calm water to contrast their tideway home. A good race should place them second.
The final crew racing is Itchen Imperial. Not renowned for their junior section, and without sufficient data to comment on them, Itchen Imperial are somewhat of an unknown quantity. Their senior men prequalified for the Temple last year, so if this new bout of form continues, a upset could prevail.
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