Review
Radley College v Shrewsbury School
After the most dramatic race entry into this round – with opponents Westminster crabbing in the final stages – Shrewsbury came into this race with a billing to remember. They took a substantial lead off Temple Island which gave Radley a bit to think about. The pace proved unsustainable for the Shrewsbury boys though, as Sam Townsend’s unit came past them with length and poise in the middle section.
King’s School Chester v Eton College
King’s Chester will be the most talked about crew coming into this race after the amazing campaign they have had so far. A piece of history was made as this was the first time they had made the Friday since 2009 (where they also incidentally faced Eton). The boys in blue however took no prisoners, establishing a commanding lead shortly after the shadows of Temple Island dropped away. This continued for the remainder of the race with Eton rating 22 through the enclosures.
St Paul’s School vs King’s School Parramatta, Australia
An old-fashioned bruising contest. St Paul’s led out of the blocks, aided by their smooth technique and framing of the front-end. Approaching Fawley, the race looked run – SPS had nearly broken clear. The Australians though – steeled by the strength of a domestic champion quartet on-board – would not let go, drawing back to within striking distance of the men in white and black. Unlike several other schoolboy races however, Paul’s were not for turning and maintained their margin until the finish line.
Preview
Radley College v Eton College
A high-stakes blockbuster match-up between two of the UK’s most venerable rowing institutions. I feel Radley will give their opponents a scare at the start but Eton’s superior power and mid-race pace will tell as the contest unfolds.
St Paul’s School vs King’s College Wimbledon
Based on the results at the National Schools’ Regatta – where KCS placed third and SPS placed sixth – you’d be pretty OK in assuming that this should be a relatively straightforward affair. St Paul’s have some Henley magic in their veins though – their speed has exponentially increased over the past four weeks and the way in which they dispatched both Shiplake and the King’s School Parramatta will have turned heads. KCS looked superb in beating Woodrow Wilson High School though and my money is still on them to progress to the final.
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