Many rowers aspire to compete on the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta course. However, due to the event’s intense competition, most settle for racing at Henley on other occasions. The Henley Long Distance Sculls presents an ideal opportunity to complete this goal or, for some, to race in preparation for Henley or Henley Women’s Regatta next year. This year’s Henley LDS has attracted top competition from across the country, promising exciting racing all day.
A B Severn Rowing Club
Although many people will not have heard of this club, I would never discount a rower from AB Severn to be competing for the win at an event like this. With access to a beautiful stretch of the River Severn and renowned for a dedicated coaching style, AB rowers frequently go to claim national titles and medals. Janes is a previous national champion and having picked up a bronze at the National Championships and Silver at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta, I certainly believe she will be racing to win on Saturday.
City of Bristol Rowing Club
Another many-time national medallist is O’Reilly from the City of Bristol Rowing Club. Having closely lost the gold medal twice, once to Janes, she knows her opposition and their rowing well and I would believe that she has a well-thought-out race plan to take advantage of this. Having trained with Janes for a composite quad at the National Championships, these rowers are quite well-matched in style and speed and could produce some incredibly close timings and tight racing.
Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club
Similar in speed to the previous scullers, Francis has had some close calls with them too. Notably being three seconds behind Janes at the West Midlands Junior Championships, just putting her out of a JIRR seat, and winning Wycliffe Small Boats Head last year over other crews from Bristol. Recently at Nat Champs, Janes, O’Reilly and Francis faced off in the C final placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively and all being within five seconds of each other.
Wallingford Rowing Club
Having multiple entries, Wallingford will be fighting for the top positions. Clayton and Bell are two names I have recently seen out at Wallingford Long Distance sculls where they placed third and fourth respectively. Also at this event was Francis placing sixth. I expect these girls to be challenging AB Severn and Bristol for that top spot and producing some top-level racing.
Prediction
With many crews close at the top I do not think a clear winner will emerge with majority of the times being within seconds of each other. Personally, I can see O’Reilly taking gold but not without challenge from Janes and Clayton. I believe Janes may have to settle for second here but within touching distance of first. I can see Clayton rounding off the top three followed by Bell and Francis.
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