Henley Women’s Regatta is taking place from the 16th to the 18th of June on the famous Henley Royal stretch but at a slightly shorter distance of 1,500 metres in comparison with the Royal’s 2112m. The Women’s J16 coxed fours category has 24 crews entered so it will be a competitive event.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
A boat club brimming with the fresh energy of insurgency, Surbiton are on an unstoppable rise to the top of the national rowing rankings. They finished second at the National Schools’ Regatta and will be looking to better this placing, having led winners Marlow to the 1000m mark. With only two lanes of racing, and hopefully no dastardly crosswind, this weekend should prove ideal turf for redemption.
Wallingford RC
After what was a successful National Schools’ Regatta, the J16 four from Wallingford look set for victory. Taking the win in the eight means these athletes are well rehearsed and albeit being broken down into fours, will have a firm foundation to build on this weekend making them arguable favourites for the medal.
Marlow Rowing Club
Marlow Rowing Club have reverently placed first at National Schools’ Regatta in the WJ16 4+ category so for the moment they are dominating this category and I expect fantastic results from them in this event. In addition, they placed fourth in the quads at National Schools’ which displays this club is strong in both sweeping and sculling meaning the rowers are all multifaceted. Marlow are in line for some fantastic results this weekend if they keep doing what they have been. There are a few extra new competitors at this event alongside a longer course suggesting they will have to be even more competitive than before.
Godolphin and Latymer
Godolphin and Latymer placed 3rd in the WJ16 coxed fours and J16 eight at National Schools’ Regatta placing them in a good position for this weekend. Perhaps the shorter course will benefit this crew and allow them to power through one or two of their rivals.
Other Crews
with the nature of J16 events meaning this is the first set of racing along the Henley course for these young athletes, I would expect a few surprise performances to be on the cards. Bedford Girls School look to be one to also watch taking 4th in the J16 eight and so will be hot on the heels of their aforementioned competitors
Predictions
Overall, I predict that Wallingford will come first, Marlow second and Surbiton third.
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