The Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup Final – Eton vs St Paul’s
As expected, this was a great race, but as favourites for the event, Eton really took the initiative and ultimately became back-to-back Henley PE champions. Off the blocks, they moved away very quickly to take a length by the ¼ mile and 1 ½ lengths by the Barrier. Ultimately this remained relatively constant for the rest of the race, as whilst St. Paul’s may have made several spirited attempts to get back on terms and contend with Eton, they were neutralised fairly effectively, with the gap remaining at 1 ½ lengths for most of the course until Eton crossed the line 1 ¼ lengths clear of the 2018 champions. Eton should be justifiably proud of winning this year, especially as they effectively win the famous junior ‘Triple’ (as the Schools’ Head was cancelled).
The Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup Final – Shiplake vs Marlow
So here we are, finally at the end of the regatta and another opportunity to see Marlow and Shiplake face off against one another. This time, in an unusual twist of events, Marlow led Shiplake by the end of the Island, likely due to the ‘fly and die’ approach of going out hard to try and get the jump on Shiplake. However, as calm and collected as ever, Shiplake were not shaken and continued to row their own race, reducing Marlow’s lead to half-a-length by the Barrier, slowly coming back inch by inch. By Fawley, Shiplake took the lead and were over-rating the Marlow crew, but regardless managed to stay sharp and effective. By the time Shiplake passed the progress board, they had the title sewn up, cruising across the finish line ahead of their competition from Marlow. This phenomenal crew came into this event as the decisive favourites, and they didn’t disappoint, with a stunning victory to round off a spectacular year.
The Junior Women’s Eights Final – Headington vs Surbiton
What briefly started as a nail-biting race became one of glory for Headington as they became the first winners of the JWEs at Henley Royal. This is the first win at Henley in Headington’s career, and from what we’ve seen of their other races this week, it is very thoroughly deserved. Headington’s line was tenuous at the start, but thanks to a quick reaction by their cox, S. Wrightson, they soon pulled ahead. Headington was able to settle onto the comparatively low rate of 37 fairly early, clearly feeling confident. Surbiton looked like they were rowing shorter throughout the race as they were gradually left behind. Headington had settled to rate 33 by Fawley as they extended their lead further. Headington kept their calm and collected attitude with their heads fully in the game as they steadily increased their lead to up to four lengths by the one and the eighth-mile marker.
Surbiton’s last shove at rate 36 brought them back by a quarter of a length, but Headington took the win with relative ease and will be the first name on the trophy, this being a new event. After the finish line, there were tears of joy and hugs between the Headington crew, and both crews dispensed ‘hip hip hoorays’ with genuine sportsmanship — something that Headington is particularly known for. When interviewed after, the Headington crew said they were ‘grateful [their work] has paid off, especially after the year we’ve had.’ I’m inclined to agree.
The Fawley Challenge Cup Final – Tideway Scullers School vs The Windsor Boys’ School
Despite what was promised in Saturday’s race, Sunday’s final of this event was the pinnacle of Fawley racing. The trio that entered the regatta as firm favourites – Tideway Scullers’ School, Windsor Boys’ and Leander – was reduced to the former two by finals day, with Windsor Boys’ eliminating Leander from the runnings in the aforementioned semi-final. With regard to the final itself, it was, without doubt, one of the best races of the day. Both crews had a fairly clean start of the end of the Island, with scullers edging out to a canvas lead over WBS. The real drama, however, emerged when it came to the steering choices from both crews, with Scullers first being warned by the umpire after under a minute, though the response from Windsor Boys’ also to develop a more aggressive steering strategy seemed to satisfy the umpire that both crews were aware of the dangerous game they played. As the race progressed, both crews remained in the centre of the course, with Scullers unable to open up clear water between themselves and Windsor Boys’. Coming towards the line, Windsor Boys’ remained in the dirty water of the Scullers crew and were unable to mount the charge necessary to overthrow the Tideway Scullers. They went on to claim the Fawley title for the first time in the club’s history.
Notable Mentions
As ever, some juniors appeared across the programme in other events. Most notably, Hinksey Sculling School in the Britannia Challenge Cup, who made the final of the event, only to be beaten by the crew from Germania. This is a phenomenal showcase of the small boat sweep talent that junior programmes can offer, and will hopefully pave the way for more similar crews in the years to come.
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