The chance to race on the Henley Regatta course is always one to make scullers smile and there’s a large J16 1x entry for Henley Long Distance Sculls. After a few recent races, a few names are starting to emerge and this weekend’s relatively short course should give all the thirty-plus entrants a chance to show off their sculling skills in this iconic location. With the weather forecast looking positive, we’re all set for a competitive category and hopefully some great J16 racing.
The first thing that’s caught my attention has to be the match-up between Willis of Star & Arrow Club and Roy from Henley Rowing Club. These two scullers have been battling it out on the rivers around Henley this season with Willis just taking the honours at both Wallingford Long Distance Sculls and Reading Small Boats Head. I have absolutely no doubt that Willis will be looking for his hat trick while Roy will want to take the win for Henley RC. Look out for these two – Willis has bow number 186 and Roy has 172. I predict very strong finishes for these two scullers.
Another name from Henley Rowing Club who should feature strongly is Swinburn. Obviously, he knows this stretch very well and had a top four finish at Reading Small Boats. Swinburn will be the first of the J16 singles to head down the course so again, look out for him. Following on not far behind from Swinburn will be Sharp of local rivals Star & Arrow Club. Sharp finished top five at both Wallingford and Reading so can definitely mix it in this company. Will the home advantage help these two to a good finishing position? I think so.
Coming from just a little further down the Thames are the scullers from Claire’s Court School. Known for their strong sculling focus and with plenty of Thames experience, it would be worth watching out for these guys too. Foy and Lambert will be representing CCS and will be against their local rivals from Maidenhead Rowing Club; Overturf, Dunlop and O’Reilly who should be able to handle themselves well on this course.
I have to also mention Bryanston School Boat Club who are sending a large J16 1x squad to Henley. They should put in solid performances as should Royal Grammar School High Wycombe.
If I had to call it, which let’s be honest, I do, I would back Willis for the win with Roy, Sharp and Swinburn close behind. I can’t wait to see how this category turns out – can anyone get in between Star & Arrow and Henley? Watch this space…
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