Unlike last year, when continuous heavy rain meant the list of cancelled races quickly built up, the weather this year has been more lenient. This means we have the green light for Kingston Small Boats Head, where the competitors row 5200 metres downstream from Hampton Court Bridge to Kingston Rowing Club. There are 15 entries this year, with the vast majority coming from schools that are more well-known for sweep rowing than sculling. With that, let’s take a look at the favourites.
American School in London
American School in London, in orange and black, and rowing out of Chiswick, can count themselves as the only competitors participating in the The Fawley Challenge Cup last year at Henley Royal Regatta. Coming through the notoriously competitive qualifiers, they were only the third-ever American School in London crew to do so. Some of that crew are still juniors and racing here, which puts them in a solid position to post the fastest time. They also enjoy the advantage of being a club that focuses on sculling, which means they will have had more time together to prepare for this category. As a result, American School in London will enjoy being favourites for this race.
Sir William Borlase Grammar School Boat Club
Sir William Borlase Boat Club have historically been very strong in junior sculling, winning the The Fawley Challenge Cup three times in four years just over a decade ago. However, their strength has waned in recent years, and last year was a very underwhelming season by their standards. Despite this, competing at a relatively minor race like Kingston Small Boats Head could be the perfect way to get a win and regain confidence for the big races ahead into 2025. Ultimately, form is only one factor to make a prediction, so look out for a close contest.
Shiplake College Boat Club
Last year, Shiplake College Boat Club enjoyed one of its most successful seasons to date in sculling, getting past the first round in the The Fawley Challenge Cup and competing in the A-final at the National Schools’ Regatta. This is despite historically being a school that is known for its sweep rowing, thus showcasing its programmes in depth. It is, however, difficult to assess how strong Shiplake College Boat Club are this year. Generally, at this season stage, sweep schools tend to send scratch crews to sculling events like Kingston Small Boats Head. However, this should not stop them from posting a strong time if they row with the calibre we know they possess.
Prediction
It is hard to look beyond American School in London to post the fastest time at this head race. Close behind will be Sir William Borlase School Boat Club. Although Shiplake College Boat Club are best placed to take third place, Walton Rowing Club should not be entirely discounted, and the same goes for Tiffin School Boat Club.
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