A competitive field of entries in the Junior Women’s single scull will produce some high calibre racing on what is set to be a warm and sunny June weekend, only two weeks before Henley Royal. With fast conditions predicted I expect to see an impressive showcase of the UK’s top junior scullers, perhaps with a few records broken.
Meg Knight- Trentham Boat Club:
Trentham’s Knight can be highlighted as a formidable junior athlete in the system, with significant achievements in her record. For example, in this season alone, Knight has competed internationally twice this year, representing GB at Munich regatta and Junior European Championships, at the latter storming to a convincing win in the B-Final alongside doubles partner Ella Bardsley-Taylor, who will also race in the Di Ellis Trophy. Knight also claims a World Record for u19s on the erg, not to mention her performance at trials, where she is largely unbeaten on both water and land. I have no doubt Knight will be dominant in this event, but also in her future rowing career.
Ella Bardsley-Taylor- Hartpury College:
As already mentioned, Bardsley-Taylor has produced some impressive results on the international field. But also showed skill racing in both the Quad and Double at Munich Junior Regatta, earning a bronze medal in the double, demonstrating skill across all boat types. This was added to by an impressive 5th in the International’s Cup at National Schools and a first place finish at Junior Sculling Regatta, 5 seconds ahead of 2nd. With that looks like Hartpury favouring smaller boats this season, I look forward to a gusty performance from the college sculler.
Elizabeth Sekinger- Wycliffe College:
Sekinger has seen some solid performances in the quad and single scull, despite being a J17 often racing against older girls. While this was not the case at Junior Sculling Regatta, where Sekinger produced a credible victory, 5 seconds ahead of the field, in the J17 age category, she has shown prowess when triumphant at Wallingford Regatta in the junior single scull. Additionally, Sekinger stroked the Wycliffe 2nd boat which won the Wimbledon Centenary Cup by an astounding 10 seconds at National Schools.
Lara Grant- Rob Roy Boat Club:
Grant has been consistently fast in the single scull this season, earning bronze at both National Schools, where only two seconds separated the medalists, and Junior Sculling Regatta. It’s really positive to see such talent from a smaller club like Rob Roy, and I anticipate a strong performance from Grant this weekend.
Notable Mentions:
It will be interesting to see what performance Scarlett Dewar of Agecroft will produce, after an 8th place in a strong field at NSR, even racing up a year, I look forward to seeing her fly the flag for the Salford based club, which features the second GB start programme in this article. Further, I believe the girls from Marlow: Mia Lawrence and Isabel Kelland-Shorthose will bring contest, with Lawrence claiming silver in the Wimbledon Centenary Cup at National Schools and Kelland-Shorthose placing an impressive 6th in the International’s Cup. Given the recent caliber of Marlow, I am excited to see what the pair will produce.
Overall Predictions:
It will honestly be hard to predict the who will advance throughout the knock out style competition, with 17 overall entrants the event will be highly contested. Many of the athletes already have vital experience on the Henley stage, which will be key in racing strategy. While I suggest it will be Knight who will claim top position, with so many variables it is impossible to say. But I know the Di Ellis Trophy will showcase fantastic talent.
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