So far this season, under 16’s have been given little opportunity to flaunt their hard work on a competitive field, especially sweep oar athletes, with only 16 entries, the Junior 16 Coxed Fours will undoubtedly fill this void. The group seems to be dominated by schools, all of which have exceptional pedigrees for developing sweep oar talent, I hope the event will be able to shine out amongst the sculling categories, which the 16’s can be shrouded by.
Surbiton School BC
Although not the most prestigious name, Surbiton High School Junior’s laid down an astounding precedent in the Steve Gunn Bowl at National Schools’ Regatta, where they took first place by 16 seconds. Further, the eight were again champions at Marlow Regatta by a substantial margin, placing themselves well within the J18 crews. The two boats entered are formed by a perfect split of the victorious eight, bow four vs stern four, so we know these crews have experience racing alongside each other. They will prove tough competition for the rest of the field.
Wimbledon High School BC
Similarly to SHSBC, Wimbledon have displayed consistent speed, placing 2nd in both time trial and A-Final in the Steve Gunn Bowl. Although second to the Surbiton crew, surely the move to a smaller boat will concentrate power and fuel the fire for them to pull out a dominant performance, as one of the favourites in medal contention.
Lady Eleanor Holles
We cannot rule Lady Eleanor Holles out of contention too. Recently they have overtaken the likes of Headington and Henley, in premier events of junior women’s sweep oar, claiming a double victory in the Ayling’s Challenge Cup at NSR. With powerful female role models paving the way for LEH juniors, I am excited to see what the crew of Thevenon, Thompson, Crocker, Kroijer and Hogarth will produce after a 6th place finish in the WJ16 8+ at National Schools.
It is hard to predict the speed of this field, simply due to the lack of racing and a year of uncertainty. However, we must suggest that Headington, Henley and Marlow will produce some stand out performance, as regular holders of titles it would be naïve to deny them of recognition, significantly for the latter: Marlow, current holders of the West End Trophy.
However, as a fan of an underdog, I hope to expect surprise performances from Yarm and Great Marlow Schools, two programmes recently hauled into the limelight of the junior circuit.
It’s hard to gauge how varied the field will be, but I believe, as one of the youngest events at Henley Women’s, we will be graced by some of tomorrow’s idols in the rowing world, in what will be an exciting introduction to the international stage.
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