The first major regatta for many juniors commences on Monday. With just 4 weeks until the National School’s Regatta, this will be a very good marker to see who looks in shape, and who has some speed to find. Many clubs have been on training camps over the Easter Holidays, some national and some international. Have these been effective? We will find out this week.
Hartpury College Boat Club
The crew consists of Charlie Pitt, Ethan Walters, Ewan and Matt Page. Hartpury is well known for producing slick crews and these boys are no different. Having a balance of raw power and finesse is something they have honed in on during their Easter training camp in Chester. Coming off a very respectable summer season last year I am sure they will look to build on this and be right up at the sharp end this year. Make no mistake about this crew, they are slick and quick.
Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club
Not an overly well know name in junior boys rowing but Wycliffe have certainly been on the rise in the past few seasons. They should have very high hopes for this season especially with them having a very strong quad. Stroked by Harry Palmer and backed up by Gwilym Johnson, Sam Austin and Henry Gerrard. These boys took 6th at the very recent Junior Sculling Head indicating that they are indeed a force to be reconned with and have a real shot at reaching the A final.
Henley Rowing Club
Very much contenders this season, Henley Rowing Club are a class act and not to be overlooked despite missing both SHORR and OJSH due to a mixture of illness and injury. Setting the rhythm is Ross Lamont, I am sure he and his crew mates will do their best to take it to Windsor but I don’t seem them overturning them.
Sir William Borlase Grammar School Boat Club
A programme that has been relatively quiet these past few years with no major results to name. Despite this, this could be the year things change for Sir William Borlase. This season’s quad has been stroked by Hector Downes and has been under the watchful eye of Phil Gray, Director of Rowing at Sir William Borlase. They do have 2 boats entered which shows that they have a good level of depth.
Windsor Boys School Boat Club
Clear favourites to take the win this year the Windsor Boys School have 2 crews entered. Coming off the back of their foreign Easter Training camp in Lago Azul, Portugal there is no question that these boys will be well drilled and ready to race. Their A crew stroked by Jack Cadaweller looks set for gold despite the fact that Windsor’s usual A boat seem to have split up into smaller boats for this event. Marcus Chute racing in the single and Max Bird in the double.
Worthy mentions
Marlow Rowing Club finished 5th at SHORR proving that they are also very much front runners. Kings School Worcester and Kingston Rowing club are also looking dangerously quick and could well be the cause of a big upset. Walton are also a crew to look out for.
Predictions
Windsor boys are the dominant club for this event, I would not be surprised if they got a double podium. I would expect Henley to also place highly given their recent form from both last season and a successful winter season. I anticipate the likes Wycliffe, Hartpury and Sir William Borlase will be fighting for the minor places in the A final.
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