The namesake of the internationally renowned Henley Royal Regatta, Henley LDS takes place over the relatively short 3000m course near Hambleden Lock. A simple racing line with only one major turn, the straight line steering shouldn’t prove a challenge for these coxless quads allowing these crews to focus on speed rather navigation.
Great Marlow School Boat Club
Achieving both national and international success, Great Marlow School BC has pushed the boundaries of school-rowing time and time again. Therefore it’s no surprise that they’ve entered a well-seasoned quad who could be vying for the win on Saturday. It comprises 4 accomplished scullers: Olivia Fyfe, Hannah, Ocean and Peyton Nugent, who’ve had a successful J15 season and look to do the same this year. Both Olivia and Peyton competed at National Schools 2021, racing a year up, in a WJ16 8+. Their boat finished 11th nationally, showing the talent that they had, and the talent that they can bring to Henley LDS.
Stratford-Upon-Avon Boat Club
The Stratford-Upon-Avon boat of Amalia Richardson, Harriet Noyes, Maddie Hall and Kate Richardson are another crew who have their eyes set on first place. Both the double of Amalia and Kate, and of Harriet and Maddie achieved success at Wallingford LDS earlier this year, placing 2nd and 5th respectively separated only by 3.6 seconds. Similarly, at the Ross-on-Wye Regatta Amalia and Kate placed 2nd once more, winning by 4 lengths but were the subjects of an unfortunate disqualification. Clearly 4 accomplished scullers who’ve spent lots of time together, expectations from them run high.
Other Entries
Annie Williams competes with Guilford RC in their 4x, coming 10th at Wallingford Regatta and 17th at JSR last year. Sure to bring fierce competition are Wallingford Rowing Club who finished 11th at their home regatta, one place behind Guilford. Also competing are Wycliffe Junior RC, extremely successful at indoor rowing and looking to do the same in the outdoor. Crews from A.B. Severn BC, Bedford Girls School RC, Kings School Worcester BC round up the entries to a total of 11 and bring the promise of an enthralling race.
Prediction
Due to the experience and previous success of all the members of the SUA crew, I’m placing my bets on them to win the race, but the crew from Great Marlow are sure to prove a challenge.
Britney Steers
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