The event was cancelled after this preview was completed.
As Schools’ Head looms on the horizon, Henley Fours and Eights is a prime opportunity for top boats to test their speed before they take on the Tideway in March. Though many of these crews will have lost key players to GB Trials this weekend in Boston, the significant growth of junior rowing in recent years has allowed clubs unprecedented depth in their younger squads that will be put on show this weekend. For some crews, this race is a rematch following the ever-so-similar Henley Long Distance Sculls in November. For others, it is an opportunity to show what they’re made of in the lead-up to regatta season.
Molesey Boat Club
A near 40-second victory at Teddington Head in November was evidence enough that Molesey have no intention of slowing down this season. In this crew, expect to see the formidable Heidi Hemming, who stroked last year’s quad to a bronze medal at National Schools’ Regatta and recently placed fourth in the single at the challenging Kingston Small Boats Head, alongside talented bowwoman Jaiya Sakharet, who took fourth place at the National Schools’ Regatta in the double. Molesey’s recent successes at GB Senior trials last weekend suggest something special is happening in Hampton – I’m excited to see what they can bring to Henley’s water.
Henley Rowing Club
With two scullers eligible to race at February trials, Henley’s top quad may look slightly different from usual. However, with exciting results last season from their now-J17 squad, there is no doubt that this quad will be a strong contender for success on their home stretch. Though Henley has been a historical force in eights, this season sees them prioritising quad, a move that paid off in 2023 and brought them to the semifinals of The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup in 2023. In a solid start to the season at Henley Long Distance Sculls, this crew placed first and fourth in the quad and took the top two spots in the doubles. Tilly Mackenzie-Smith takes on the bows in this crew, a J17 who was at the forefront of Henley’s shining Junior 16 squad last season, representing GB in the eight at the annual fixture with France.
Marlow Rowing Club
As a five-strong contingent of triallists head to Boston this weekend, Marlow’s top quad for this race is formed from the bones of their second boat that placed fourth at the recent Wycliffe Big Head, enhanced by national silver medallist Georgie Wells. The stern pair of Wells and Wilson placed third in a double together at Pairs Head, and returned to the Tideway to take fourth place at Quintin Head in their top eight. Marlow should be noted above all for their impressive depth, with even their second boat consistently competitive with top crews from other clubs. even with the disruption of GB trials this weekend, this crew are not to be discounted.
Lea Rowing Club
A consistently high-performing club, Lea has clear assets in their successful junior women’s squad, which has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Even without star scullers Bea Hughes and Jess Kerbiriou, who flew the orange flag as Rayner Cup finalists at Henley Women’s Regatta last year, Lea remains highly competitive, driven by their talented Junior 18 squad. Last season’s second quad earned silver at the National Schools’ Regatta, and the squad has stepped on well this year to continue their journey to the top of women’s sculling. Last seen on the Henley stretch for Henley Long Distance Sculls, Lea will be looking to improve upon their fifth place in Junior 18 doubles with their flagship boat.
Stratford-Upon-Avon Boat Club
Stratford-Upon-Avon may be a lesser-known name than others on this list, but there are certainly a crew to watch out for in this competition. Henley Long Distance Sculls brought this crew a bronze medal in the double over rivals Lea Rowing Club, following a sixth-place finish in the quad – this weekend will be the perfect opportunity for the crew to push up through the rankings. Watch for J17 Alexandra Francis, who placed fifth at Junior Sculling Regatta 2024 in women’s Junior 16 singles.
Other crews
Walbrook’s second and third place in Junior 17 quads at Teddington Head suggest they have a wealth of strong athletes to choose from for this crew. Unlike most of their competition, they haven’t raced in Henley yet this season, but there will be clear intent on their part to go one better this weekend and take the win. Westminster School were fifth in the quad at November’s Henley Long Distance Sculls, some 26 seconds ahead of Stratford-Upon-Avon, who will set off just ahead of them this weekend: these girls will be eager to chase their competition down. I’m particularly intrigued by the St. Mary’s School, Cambridge entry: their Junior 16 quad posted an impressive second place finish at Henley Long Distance Sculls, while their J18s raced in small boats – it will be interesting to see how the standard of their Junior 18 squad compares.
Predictions
Henley’s newly prioritised quad is undoubtedly a threat, particularly on home water, but local rivals Marlow may have the depth in their women’s squad to take them on, even in a newer combination. Molesey are first off in this category and will surely set off spectacularly, but whether they’ll quite be able to overturn other strong crews is anyone’s guess. I’d love to see Lea Rowing Club on the podium for this race, but with such fierce competition, it will be a challenge for everyone. I’m expecting Henley just to take it over Marlow, followed closely by Molesey and Lea RC.
About The Author
Discover more from JRN
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
