Since the writing of this preview the Henley Fours and Eights Head 2025 has been cancelled. This preview was written with the assumption that the event would go underway.
With the flow of the Thames being continuously relentless over the past months, this weekend brings a rare chance to see the calibre of the Thames region crews and those travelling from afield. We get our first taste on the same stretch of river that we’ll circle back to close off the season at both Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.
Henley Rowing Club
Heading into Saturday with the home advantage, Henley Rowing Club need no introduction. With many of the girls staying in the boat from last year, this crew’s potential has already been seen in the form of their win in the first Women’s Junior 15 eight at National Schools’ Regatta, beating one of their returning opposition Putney High School by nearly 10 seconds. It can be said that such a convincing win only creates pressure to replicate their success and this eight have the shoes of their previous Junior 16s to fill. After dominating both disciplines, their predecessors came away with gold at both National Schools’ Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta, and earned international vests in the GB vs France match last summer. Will Henley Fours and Eights Head be another stepping stone for this crew, or can another club rise through the ranks and take the win?
Putney High School Boat Club
A consistent A-final finisher last year, I am sure this crew is heading into the weekend with aims to make an early mark on the competition. Putney High School Boat Club took an impressive second and fouth place finish, in the second and first Women’s Junior 15 eights respectively, at last year’s National Schools’ Regatta. This consistent level of performance across the whole squad can be seen as an asset at their disposal. With a good pool of athletes to choose from, I am sure that the crew we will see will be a strong one. An added advantage can also be seen from their position in the start order. Chasing down a crew of which they have previous history with, I am sure will add fuel to the fire for these girls.
Nottingham and Union Rowing Club
Being both the furthest afield crew racing but also the least documented, it is difficult to predict what presence the Nottingham and Union Rowing Club Women’s Junior 16 eight will have. Over the years, athletes from this boat club have shown real talent in the junior rowing circle, despite not being as widely known in comparison to the larger programmes. Last year’s GB vs France women’s pair was a prime example of some of the exceptional athletes this club produced. If this Junior 16 crew can play to their strengths of being a more tight-knit squad and learn from their role models who came before I sense good things. I am hoping that these factors will make them aim high this season, starting off strong with a solid performance this weekend.
Prediction
Though all three crews will be determined to take an early lead this year, the prowess of Henley Rowing Club will enable them to take the win. Though a relatively unknown crew in the region, I think Nottingham and Union Rowing Club will put up a tough fight and make it very difficult for Putney High School to secure that second place. As usual I am looking forward to seeing the possible formation of some early rivalries ready for summer.
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