Reviews:
9:50- Windsor Boys’ School v Hinksey Sculling School
In the first junior race of the day, Windsor Boys booked their ticket to the final in their skillful showcase over Hinksey Sculling School. They flew off the start making their claim for the finals spot early on, up by half a length by the end of the island which increased to a length by the barrier, they were not there to hang around. Maintaining their club honour of being the only Hinksey boat left in the competition (and unintentionally as the people’s champions), Hinksey went out hard- settling at 36 strokes a minute, not allowing Windsor to forget about them. Windsor were unable to settle for the first half of the race despite being ahead, as Hinksey stuck with them in their hard fought exit battle. Eventually Windsor broke the contact at Fawley and started to slide out of Hinksey’s grasp, just getting more out of each stroke in their very technical style. By the enclosures they had amassed a 2 and a half length lead to pull away comfortably and secure their title as the favourites to win.
10:30- Marlow Rowing Club v Shiplake College
Bow ball for bow ball off the start, with Shiplake looking to take a slight edge, having gotten away a bit cleaner than Marlow and with a slightly higher rate who pulled towards the Island. However by the end of the Island, it was Marlow who had strode out with a tidier rhythm, being able to settle into an unrelenting cadence. It seemed Shiplake had a slightly worse transition period and dropped back allowing Marlow to pull away. The Swans, having claimed the silver medal at National Schools’ Regatta and having looked strong all week, walking out on Shiplake they pulled clear water by the barrier and extended the lead to three lengths by the three quarter mile. Marlow settled here, happy with their dominant performance and saving their energy for their final tomorrow. But, Shiplake were not done yet: they revealed their second gear that we saw in the eight yesterday to pull back the 4 length lead Marlow gained to cross the line at just two and a half lengths down in an insane sprint to the line to leave the competition with their heads held high.
Preview:
Marlow v Windsor Boys
In a rematch of the National Schools’ final, it is the national champions against the silver medallists competing for a coveted red box. Windsor Boy’s often dominate the UK junior mens’ sculling scene with many wins at NSR and previous wins in the Fawley under the club’s belt and it has been no difference this year. This crew have looked sharp and sleek all regatta season, with not a fault throughout this week’s racing, it would be a lie to say Windsor are not the favourites to win. However the final step in their route to the win is Marlow who were in contact with them over the line at National Schools and have looked to me to be one of the best crews racing through this week. The technique and power demonstrated in their races put them in a strong position to challenge the ‘untouchable’ Windsor Boys and usurp the current kings of junior men’s sculling. It is worth mentioning that Leander overthrew Windsor last year, proving to Marlow there is a way to move past the domination and a chance for the cardinal colours to claim the Fawley in true underdog fashion. Having seen Marlow race, personally, I would like to see a surprise overturn of the NSR results allowing Marlow to claim victory.
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