The Junior Sculling Regatta takes place, as it always does, at Eton Dorney, which has become a mainstay in junior regattas. It is good to see a large entry list, with 29 crews taking to the water. This regatta is taking place only one day after Wallingford Regatta, which means that certain crews will not be competing, seemingly prioritising one over the other. Also, six scullers have been selected for the Munich International Junior Regatta, as well as a couple of people rowing at BUCS regatta this weekend. The likelihood is that some crews will not be full-strength. Look out for some surprising names potentially going for the medals…
Leander Club
With Windsor Boys not competing, Leander are the biggest name racing at the Junior Sculling Regatta and are also, arguably, the favourites. This season, Leander have been absent from most races, racing in September in Wallingford in small boats, then finishing fourth at the Junior Sculling Head, albeit not with a full-strength crew. They were also fifth at the Schools’ Head of the River two days prior. However, looking at the line-up, it seems that Leander are once again without one or two key rowers. It is hard to know how much of an impact this will have, but one thing that is known is Leander’s ability to race extremely well in side-by-side environments. Overall, Leander are a strong crew with heritage and it would take a formidable crew to beat them.
Tideway Scullers School
If there is one crew that has a shot at beating Leander and taking overall victory, then it would be the Tideway Scullers School. This crew has been far more present at races, winning the Schools’ Head of the River convincingly in a course-record time for example. They finished just 0.2 seconds behind Leander at the Junior Sculling Head, albeit also not with a full-strength crew. It is important to mention that Tideway have an athlete selected for the Munich Regatta, so this could have a bearing on their performance. However, they are extremely consistent in getting strong time trial results; a good placing could give them a confidence boost heading into the finals. They could really run Leander close.
Lea Rowing Club
A crew that perhaps goes under the radar, Lea Rowing Club have quietly made progress and will be looking to challenge the very best. Their most recent race was also their most successful, beating both Leander and Tideway at the Junior Sculling Head to finish second overall. A boost to the Lea could be the fact that they do have a full-strength crew. They have decided not to race at Wallingford either, which could also give them the edge over other crews that are racing on both days. In times gone by, Lea have struggled to really make their mark in regattas, eventually fading away when it comes to side-by-side racing. However, the past is the past, and the crew will be confident and eager to improve upon past races and come away with a medal.
Other Crews to mention:
There are a handful of other crews worth mentioning; it is certainly possible that one of these may well come away with a medal. Molesey are an underrated crew and the likes of Henley and Sir William Borlase are always strong. It is also likely that Hartpury will go and aim high.
Predictions:
In the past it has been relatively easy to predict the overall winner; such a situation is no more. The overall winner will either come from Tideway or Leander, with Leander my favourites to take the crown. Tideway will pick up second place. As for third, Lea will face serious challenges from Hartpury and Sir William Borlase, but will hold on to get that bronze medal.
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