Given that it is still early in the season it comes as no surprise that the entry for the J184X is relatively small, and certainly lacks the presence of clubs who are likely to remain major players when it comes to the National Schools Regatta, and the Fawley Challenge Cup. This will however allow for a battle between those clubs with a smaller presence at junior level.
Kingston Rowing Club will go into this event as favourites, the fact that they are racing on their home water, coupled with being the only club of those competing to qualify for the Fawley Challenge Cup should give them the confidence needed for a good result. Molesey and Tideway Scullers are not to be ignored however, with individuals from both clubs putting in the performances necessary to gain spots in the British team displaying that both clubs have a strong junior system in place, and therefore should put out quick quads. Indeed, if Molesey contain any of the athletes that trialed last year, including Oli Ayres and Will Johnston, who both made the Coupe squad in 2015, I fancy these guys will be quick. The final two crews to set off are Dulwich College and Ardingly Rowing Club. Generally Dulwich’s focus is on producing eights with the intent to qualify for the PE at the end of the year, and Ardingly are not known particularly for having much presence at junior level so are unlikely to challenge. With no real knowledge of the lineup of the Tideway and Molesey boats, I’d suggest that this will be Kingston’s event to lose.
Mr T
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