Finally back round to racing head races in the depths of winter. Plenty of warm clothes and long distances create some exciting racing and nail biting results. This year for Henley Fours & Eights Head there are a total of nine crews entered into Women’s Band 1 Quads. After looking over previous head races for the 2021/2022 season it looks like we’re in for some tight racing, from a mix of local and non-local clubs. On that note, let’s dive right in…
Reading University BC
This years head race see Reading University entering four crews. Although we can’t be sure who’s in these crews or combinations, it can be taken that it’ll be similar to what was entered at the Fours Head on the Tideway back in November. The Fours Head was successful for the top crew coming sixth in women championship quads. The next three crews came first, third and fourth in women Academic Quads.
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School BC
After a successful 2020/2021 season over the summer regattas, Borlase has entered two Women’s Quads, Halliwell and Graham-Usibagia. After racing both a women’s eight and quad at Henley Royal Regatta could this be a mix of those girls and some new blood? At the Fours Head on the Thames these crews were entered into the junior/school categories and came in with a strong 14th.
Upper Thames BC
With a boat and club house situated perfectly on the Henley stretch, this Upper Thames crew will have a strong knowledge of the local currents and secrets of the water. After racing a women’s eight at Henley Royal Regatta in 2021, perhaps some of these ladies were in that crew, giving even more to this quad set to race.
Westminster School BC
In their bright pink kit, it’s hard to miss Westminster. After also racing at the Fours Head in November a girls junior/school quad came in with a respectable 27th. If this is the same crew they could see some good results this coming weekend.
Bournemouth University BC
A university rowing squad which has seen a pleasant rise within the recent years at Henley Women’s along with Home International representation. Unfortunately, given the Covid-19 pandemic this club have seen restrictions on crew training and racing so I am sure that these girls will be beyond excited to get out onto the Henley stretch and really have a good crack at it.
Prediction
Overall, although I cannot be 100% certain as a lot of assumptions are being made here, but I would say the crews to come in top three would be Reading University BC ‘A’, Upper Thames BC, and perhaps a sneaky steal from Sir William Borlase – Halliwell, or maybe Reading University B will just nip past? But that is the excitement of head racing! With cold temperatures and wind with strong gusts, it’ll take strong steering and timing from all these women’s crews, however the sun will hopefully make and appearance. Best of luck ladies!
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