Reviews
Claires Court School v Windsor Boys’ School
Storming off the start, the current National Schools’ Regatta champions Windsor Boys’ School took the race into their hands from the get-go. Steering a little wide out of the End of the Island, it didn’t seem to matter, as they were up a length by the end of it. Mark Wilkinson’s boys looked cool, calm, and collected as they continued to stride away from Claires Court, who are a classy crew in their own right but no match for the favourites to win the whole event. By the enclosures, there was no doubt about who was going through. As Windsor Boys’ brought the rate down approaching the Progress Board, that was the final nail in the coffin for Claires Court; the boys in dark green and black secured a spot on the Friday with an emphatic three-and-three-quarter-length victory.
Great Marlow School vs Los Gatos RC, USA
The transatlantic showdown was always going to be close but I don’t think anyone anticipated just how close. Los Gatos from California went out hard and fast, pushing for a full length by the End of the Island. They held a strong and powerful rhythm through Fawley but, as the conditions worsened, the long and relaxed rhythm of Great Marlow School allowed them to pull the Americans in. Great Marlow School closed Los Gatos to a half a length by the progress board and the sprint finish from both crews resulted in a photo finish with Los Gatos taking the win on the surge by only a single foot. Reacting to the race, Los Gatos said “[Great Marlow School] coming out from being far behind just to that nail-biting race was crazy, and after we finished, I didn’t even think we won and it was a moment of bliss when hearing Los Gatos took it, it was crazy, it was a crazy moment.”
Tideway Scullers’ School v Leander Club
Race of the day? I think so. Scullers launched out of the start at serious speed, clearly attempting to position themselves ahead of the current Fawley Challenge Cup holders, Leander Club. As the camera came up for the side by side shot at the End of the Island, it was Tideway Scullers who had taken the race by storm and pushed their bows into the lead by a length. Leander held them well, not allowing them to move away and through the second half of the course, they attacked. They took almost a seat a stroke as they came into the Enclosures. It was looking as though Scullers had enough in the tanks to take them over the line ahead but with the strong head wind and rough water the crew narrowly caught a crab, allowing Leander a sniff of opportunity which they leapt on. Scullers’ sprint was sensational and allowed them to close the gap, but ultimately resulting in a gut-wrenching one foot win for Leander.
Previews
Hartpury College v Windsor Boys’ School
Coming up against Windsor Boys’ is something that no crew wants to experience. This crew from Windsor are a truly class act, and one that are hot favourites to bring the Fawley back home with them. Hartpury will likely be filled with confidence after making it to Henley Friday, but they will know they will need a very special performance on the day to bring down the giant of junior sculling that is Windsor Boys’. Despite Hartpury’s clear horsepower, I just don’t see them taking down Windsor Boys’. My prediction is a Windsor Boys’ wipeout.
Hinksey Sculling School v Los Gatos RC
A rematch from last year’s semi final that we’re all eager to see. Former Fawley finalists Hinksey looked tidy today, and had a much more comfortable run down the track than Los Gatos. However, the Californians clearly back themselves, who today said “we know what we’re up against, we have our strategy down and that race [today] taught us what we needed to do and what we need to work on, so I think we have it all planned out. We’re ready to perform.” If this proves to be correct, I think Los Gatos might just pull another victory out of the bag.
Shiplake College v Leander Club
A domestic contest between two of the historic greats in schoolboy sculling will be exciting to say the least. Shiplake had a smooth run down the track today and showed no signs of being on the back foot. With fresher legs and yearning hearts they will be bringing their A game to this race. The sheer pedigree Leander have in this event – they are reigning champions after all – is something that is sure to rattle the Shiplake boys. With Leander having that familiarity of previous excruciating duel racing, and the home advantage, I think they will be able to book themselves a seat on the Saturday train.
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