As the regatta season begins to draw to a close, Henley Women’s Regatta is set to, as usual, create a ‘clash of the titans’ in the final stages of its races. And we expect to see some exhilarating racing across all the events, the Women’s double sculls has always provided fast paced, close racing, and by the looks of things, we’re in for a treat this year…
Isle Of Ely
Over the last few years Isle Of Ely have proved there is no need for luxurious facilities to compete to a high level, training from shipping containers on the banks of the River Ouse in Ely, these crews are hard headed and determined. Last year coming second in the junior quad sculls, at both Henley Women’s, and HRR, yet making no entry in the double sculls. This year, they have already claimed a bronze in the school’s 2x at Wallingford, behind Henley and Marlow. They went on to achieve an impressive 3rd at National School’s. It is a given that this year IEL will be looking to go far in the doubles, backed by a small, yet highly effective team of coaches.
Nottingham
The obvious favourite for this year’s HWR, Nottingham are looking strong coming into the regatta, with a win in this event from last year under their belt, and placing well in the semi-finals the year before. This year their double has placed second at Marlow in the club 2x, but dropped off considerably at Nat School’s, not making the finals. Coming into HWR, we can be confident that their aim will be to maintain their title from last year, however, they face serious competition, especially from IEL.
Tideway Scullers School
Tideway has become a notorious name at regattas up and down the country over recent seasons; and for good reason. Last year coming second at HWR in the double sculls, this year coming second at JSR rand 4th at NSR their double is shaping up to become one of the fastest on the water. Throughout the winter period Tideway juniors have stepped up the training, and over recent months have spent a good chunk of time at Dorney Lake, perfecting their side-by-side racing strategy. Tideway have a long history of junior success on a large scale; last year entering 33 crews to Brit Champs, and coming away with 8 medals. This is a club and crew to be reckoned with.
Llandaff Rowing Club
Llandaff RC of Wales, is a lesser known club, yet seems to produce top athletes. At this year’s HWR, they are the only club to make an ‘A’ and ‘B’ entry into the doubles, proving their confidence in their abilities. Last year at HWR they reached the semi-final in the double, and this year placing sixth at JSR. Because of the distances between the club and most of the national regattas they are often unable to prove themselves at major regattas. However, when they can, they show a promising high standard, justifying the entry of two crews. Whilst they are not the most well known crew, it would be foolhardy for any crew to not view them as serious competition.
City of Oxford
So far this season Oxford have been keen to prove themselves at regattas, with a noteworthy bronze at JSR. Even so, they seem to be lacking something which is preventing them from making the top spots in races. Could Henley Women’s be their big break? It looks unlikely. But this is another crew who we would expect to make it through the first couple of races, but as for the trophy, as I said, it looks unlikely.
Other Notable Mentions
Sir William Perkins School will be looking to capitalise on a fantastic gold at JSR, and we would imagine, should a favourable draw persist, that they would do quite well. Thames, placing 5th at Marlow may not seem like a strong contender, but as with may other crews, they have the potential to do well, and whilst they may not be in for the win, should be expected to pass the heats.
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