Thursday Review:
Henley Rowing Club vs St. Edward’s School
Coming into this race, Henley were the firm favourites, having won WEHoRR, SHORR, The National Schools’ Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta (HWR), but they did not have it all their own way. St Edward’s were leading at The Barrier by a canvas before Henley began to row through, in a race that mirrored their semi-final contest at HWR. At the Mile marker, Henley extended their lead and ultimately held on to win by two-thirds of a length in a time that broke the old record by nine seconds.
Winter Park Crew, USA vs Headington School
This was perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the day and it certainly did not disappoint. Headington are the holders of this event but have not had their best season, while Winter Park won the Scholastic Rowing National Championship Regatta in the US. Winter Park took an early lead off the start thanks to their high rate which they extended to three-quarters of a length at The Barrier and one length at Fawley. Headington were beginning to look like they were rowing back through, largely thanks to an increase in stroke rate but were eventually unable to get through, losing by half a length. They also broke Henley’s record by 7 seconds.
Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School, Australia vs Surbiton High School
This was destined to be a tight race with the finalists of Henley Women’s Regatta drawn against the very successful Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School crew from Australia. It was the Australian crew that led off the start with a margin of half a length by the time the crews reached the barrier. When they got to Fawley, Surbiton had reduced the gap to a quarter of a length and they just kept moving on Melbourne through the enclosures to win by two-thirds of a length in a new record time of 7:21, beating the record set by Winter Park by five seconds.
Hinksey Sculling School vs St. Catherine’s School, Australia
This was another close race in the Prince Philip that went under the old record set by Headington last year. St. Catherine’s School took the early lead and led by half a length at the quarter mile marker before Hinksey began to row through. The crew from St. Catherine’s School then responded and ended up three-quarters of a length ahead at the finish.
Friday Preview:
Henley Rowing Club vs Winter Park Crew, USA
Winter Park Crew impressed me today, taking out the current holders of this event, Headington School. Both crews were pushed fairly hard today, with Winter Park seven seconds quicker down the course. Therefore, I think they will take the win on Saturday, but it will certainly be a race to look out for.
St. Catherine’s School, Australia vs Surbiton High School
I thought Surbiton raced very maturely today, they were down for much of the race but kept their composure and rowed through their opponents. Their time was also significantly quicker than St. Catherines so I think they’ll take the win on Saturday.
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