Racing from Hampton Court for just over 5km to Stevens Eyot, Kingston Small Boats Head gives an excellent opportunity to get some competitive racing, before events move downstream to the Tideway in two weeks time. Crews will be desperate to get some race prep before Fours Head, especially given the amount of races that have been cancelled already. The open coxed fours will renew rivalries between some of the big rowing schools, as well as a few club crews.
Band 1 Open Coxed Fours
This event has four entries from two powerhouses of schoolboy rowing, Eton College and Shiplake College. Neither of these schools has done any racing yet this season, but I am sure this will lead to some members of these crews attending GB junior trials next weekend and then Fours Head. Eton will be out for revenge after Shiplake toppled them at Henley Royal Regatta in July. Even though there are no past results, I expect this to be a very close race. Eton seems to have many other crews racing in the coxless fours and pairs, so these may not be their top athletes. On the other hand, Shiplake has fewer crews entered, so given that these athletes are likelier to be their top rowers, I am tipping Shiplake College – Barnes for the win by a small margin.
Band 2 Open Coxed Fours
This event has a slightly more widespread entry, with crews from Kingston Grammar School, Kingston RC and Eton College entering. Again, given the banding in this coxed fours event, expect some very close times posted by these crews. With very little past racing to go on, the knowledge of the river will come in handy. I predict Kingston RC- Dagnall for the win, with their added experience over the schoolboy rowers giving them the edge.
Band 3 Open Coxed Fours
With three crews from two clubs, this event will be a tight one between a pair of Eton College fours and a Kingston RC crew. Given the strength and depth of Eton, regularly having three eights at Junior 18 level, I predict that Eton College – C will take the win in this band.
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