Whilst not as big a draw as we were treated with at Fours Head, with many of the big winners there such as Westminster and St Pauls instead entering in smaller boats. J18 4+’s, with 11 entries from five schools still presents an interesting competition for the win.
Eton College
Eton has 4 entries in this category, based off of the names entered the two most competitive entries are likely to be ETN-Power and ETN-Burges Watson. Who rowed in last years Gold Medal Second VIII and 7th place J16 VIII respectively. Eton had a strong Fours Head, with a crew finishing 5th in Champs 4+, however, the entry ETN-Burges Watson in this category was scratched so we do not know how much speed they have. Though it is worth noting that their fifth-placed crew was labelled as ETN-B, with their scratched entry being ETN-A, which means that if this is the same crew it could be very fast. If this is the case I’d expect to see Eton at the top if not winning this category.
Westminster
Westminster impressed at fours head last week, coming in first, third and fourth in Champ 4-. A moderately successful return to a top quad last year saw them pick up a Bronze in Champ 4x at Nationals, this was at the expense of their VIII though, which could only manage a 13th overall place at the same competition. While it is not yet clear whether they will stick to the quad or move back to the VIII, they will be looking to bounce back from a slightly disappointing season from the VIII’s perspective. The name attached to the entry is WES-Holle, the same as the one that won Champ 4- at fours head. If this is the same crew, they will be looking to challenge Eton for that top spot, though they will have to deal with having a cox onboard this time.
St Edwards School
A school with a long rowing history, St Edwards has been left behind somewhat in recent years. Though regularly appearing in Champs VIII’s A finals and making it to the tail end of Henley, it’s been a while since they’ve really challenged for a top spot. They have only one entry in this category SES-Gowans. He raced in the Teddies first VIII last year that finished 7th, coming in behind the likes of Latymer and Bedford. Likewise, at Henley, they could only make the thursday where they were knocked out by a strong St Joseph’s crew from Australia. Given their small squad size last year, this is presumably a top four and so should have some decent speed, though how much compared to other schools is unknown as they didn’t enter a boat at Fours Head.
St Georges College
St Georges has three entries in this category, though it is difficult to tell who is in which crew as they are labelled only A, B and C. However, St Georges had two coxed fours in School 4+ as nationals last year, one of which won a bronze medal. Their J16 4+ also picked up a silver in J16 4+ so it would appear that they do have some pedigree in Fours. However, they are going up against what appears to be the top fours from Westminster and Eton and, if so I can’t see them being able to take the win in the event.
Canford
Canford has two entries in this event. Both of the names attached, CAN-Way and CAN-Beaney, raced in their first VIII last year that could only manage 23rd overall at Nationals. I can’t see these two fours being able to match the more established schools in this category and do not expect them to come out with a top spot.
Prediction
For me, this event is split into two segments. The top half being Eton, Westminster and St Edwards. I think that Westminster and Eton will fight it out for the win but given the relative lack of information on teddies’ entry, I would not count them out. Out of St Georges and Canford either could beat the other, but given St Georges’ relative pedigree in fours, I’d back them to come out on top.
TidewaySweeper
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