In its 7th year, the Junior Sculling Regatta is back and in full operation compared to last year. With it being the day after Wallingford Regatta and 2 weeks before National Schools, it will give the crews a good indication to where they stand against others. This year the J18 double has 15 crews entered with more fierce competition then ever.
Windsor Boys School – Bird
After coming back from an intense training camp in Portugal, Windsor would be more than ready to dominate this event. With these lads being in the quad the day before at Wallingford, they split into smaller boats to see how they fair against different crews. Max Bird and Charlie Warren had the most extravagant season last year I’ll expect at least a 2nd place finish from them on Monday.
Henley Rowing Club – Wallace
Henley, another amazing programme within junior mens rowing. Seeing J17 Guy Hutchins being extremely fast in his single scull at the recent GB U19 trials, it will give Henley much confidence coming into this race. After their tough Easter camp at wimbleball lake, Henley has shown immense depth in their squad so far this season. With this depth being shown I won’t be surprised if this boat is their top boat for Monday. Last season shown that Henley can get close to Windsor with them being ahead off the start on day 3 of Henley Royal. Could we see this being a shock result on Monday? Who knows.
Warrington Rowing Club – Dunne
Warrington, the lesser known club within junior men’s Rowing but do produce some great athletes in most years. With these 2 racing in 2 categories the day before, they will be looking for more fierce racing on Monday. Both of these lads have been rowing since they were very young, this is seen in the stroke man, Quin Dunne getting a bronze at National schools when he was just a J14. Also the bowman winning the U19 1x at the recent GB Beach Sprint Trial, this shows that this crew cannot be unrecognised on Monday as they may close the gap on Henley.
Marlow Rowing Club – Anderson
After a blistering 5th place at Junior Sculling head, Marlow come into this competition with a top 3 intention. Certain athletes that have done well from Marlow include Niall Parsons. This is seen him getting 4th in the C Final at the recent GB trials in Nottingham. If he is in this boat Marlow will show real contention for a medal on Monday.
Prediction
With one of the first regattas back it’s difficult to make an easy prediction but by the immense pedigree from each club and school this is what I’d expect on Monday:
1st – Windsor Boys School – Bird
2nd – Henley Rowing Club – Wallace
3rd + 4th – I feel it will come down to the wire with Warrington and Marlow, but with Marlow’s amazing result at the scullery, I feel they will claim the bronze and Warrington will fall to 4th.
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