Held along the world-famous regatta course, Henley Fours and Eights Head gives crews racing a mere taste of what the summer could have in store in anticipation and build-up to the regatta season. With 12 crews entered into this category it’s sure to produce some interesting results and it will be exciting to see how some of the big names battle it out down the course.
Leander Club
Arguably the club with the biggest reputation in the world for rowing success is Leander. With the absence of the current dominant force of the junior men’s sculling scene, Windsor Boys School, this opens the competition for crews such as the likes of Leander, to make a push for the top spot. This crew definitely look to be the favourites coming into this weekend with their top place finish at Fours Head which had them 15 seconds ahead of Marlow, the second placed crew.
Marlow RC
After taking second place to Leander’s Quad at Fours Head, it will be very interesting to see if the last few months of gruelling winter training has paid off. At early IDs back in November, Marlow’s turn out looked strong with three athletes placing in the top 15 clearly indicating this crew’s and hence club’s ability in sculling boats. It will definitely be exciting to see how they challenge the likes of Leander this weekend.
Other crews to watch out for
With the largest entry of the category, Henley RC will be looking to make a mark on their home race and battle the more established crews down the course. I can also see Hartpury University and College BC joining this battle as they have developed a highly successful sculling programme that continues to produce crews filled with high calibre athletes.
Prediction
This weekend is set to be an exciting one however to place bets on who will end up taking top spots it has to be between Leander Club and Marlow RC. After their remarkable Fours Head Success and racing in the midst of their competitors going off fourth, I think it will be the crew from Leander Club to have the upperhand this time around.
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