23 crews will race over approximately 1500m in the J16 4+. This will be a hard race to win, due to so many clubs using one half of the eight(s) that they put forward to National Schools’. Not only this, but many clubs will be preparing crews for GB VS France trials, which happen just after Henley women’s. Compared to an eight, the crews will have to deal with a more unbalanced boat, so not only will they need power to win, but also technique.
Henley
Henley have had success in the J16 8+ this year at National Schools, and for Henley womens, they have decided to split the eight up into a four and a quad. Holly Thompson, Sophie Underwood, and Emilia Fulford-Dobson competed in the J16 quad on the Sunday of National Schools’ which came 1st in the B final. Ava Reineke is coxing the the four, she also coxed the victorious J16 8+ at National Schools’, so there’s no doubt she’s very competent. I’m sure Henley will be feeling very confident from their season of racing, and also that they have an advantage over other crews as it’s that it’s their home course.
Headington
Headington have chosen to enter bow four of their J16 8+ which placed second just behind Henley at National Schools’. Cici Hong coxed the J16 8+ this year as well as the J15 Quad that won last year at NAT schools, so there’s no doubt she’s a very capable under stressful situations. Ana Matveeva and Phoebe Horan also competed in the J16 2x at National Schools, coming in the time trial. Cleo Shore and Evie Holt also competed on the Sunday in the J16 quad, which came 6th in the B final. Headington will definitely be a contender and one to watch, as they definitely don’t want to come second to Henley again.
St Edwards School
St Edwards School have chosen to enter the same four, which came second at National Schools’ consisting of Daisy Speir, Isabel Llabres Diaz, Saskia Ward, Jessica McPhail and Abigail Drennan. Compared to the rest of the majority of boats entered, this crew will have more experience in a four rather than in an eight, giving them an upper hand for the race. However, we don’t know how they will compare with the likes of Henley and Headington, who have always been that bit faster, but maybe that will change, as they’ve been as a crew much longer than their main competitors.
Surbiton
Surbiton have also decided to split their J16 8+ in half with Olivia Lintott, Phoebe Pollington, Olivia Hubbard, Lucy Theobald and Lauren Russell coxing. Their eight came 3rd at National Schools’, just behind Headington and Henley. That being said, it will be a tough race, and rowing a four is very different then rowing an eight, so it will be interesting to see how they’ve transitioned over. Henley will certainly have the upper hand, but Surbiton have made massive improvements in the girls J16 age category, and if they have continued to make the same progress as they have done for the past year, I think they’ll do quite well.
Predictions
I think Henley and Headington will be vying for the top spot, with St Edwards close behind. But with 23 crews entered into the time trial, it will be a close one to call especially when narrowing it down to 8 for the quarter finals, so anything could happen.
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