Next on the agenda of previously postponed races is the renowned Henley Women’s Regatta. National Schools’ Regatta served as a good example of how each club had coped with the onslaught of home training orders and the like. Many of the crews that raced in the Crockford Bowl doubles event at NSR are also racing now, so it’ll be interesting to see how the crews have adapted in the intermittent time.
Peterborough RC
This club is likely the one to watch — their double is crewed by the same Charlotte Bolton and Harriet Drake-Lee that won at NSR in the same event. In fact, they were the only crew to get a sub-8 time in the final. With this being the exact same crew, they are in good stead with the benefits of reflecting on their previous race on top of the confidence and physical advantage of having won previously.
Headington School BC
Headington have increased their focus on sculling of late, having not put out an eight at NSR, and placed 3rd in the quads there. On top of Headington’s renowned reputation, their increased training in the sculling boats should stand them in good stead for the podium.
Trentham
Trentham has put out an A and a B crew, so statistically at least are likely to get a good result. In their A boat is Meg Knight, who won U19 World Indoor Rowing Championships with a sub-7 minute time. This feat alone could be indicative of success in the doubles.
Additionally, Hartpury has a strong culture of success in sculling, particularly at NSR. They placed fourth in the girls doubles there this year, so given time and adaptation they’re likely a contender for the top spot. It’s not too much time to make up, either, since they were only 15 seconds behind the winning Peterborough crew in the NSR final. Also in contention is Newark, who came third in the NSR doubles event, only 14 seconds behind the winning crew.
Prediction
Given their roaring success at National Schools’ Regatta, the Bolton/Drake-Lee crew of Peterborough RC is a near shoe-in for the top spot. The remaining notable crews are all strong and have likely adapted even in such a short time, hence, how the runners-up will work out remains a mystery until the weekend.
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