It’s still early in the season, and with Early IDs on the horizon, Kingston Small Boats Head allows rowers to get in crucial practice down the 5200m stretch of the Thames before facing the Boston 5K in just a couple of weeks. The WJ18 doubles category will be one to watch in particular. With many of these young women looking to attend GB trials in the near future, they will certainly create tough competition.
Walton Rowing Club
A crew that has already proved their dominance this season, Walton Rowing Club will undoubtedly be a front-runner in this race. Boasting a notable 13-second win at Pairs Head over Lady Eleanor Holles School BC, this crew has the experience this season and the confidence that can prove vital coming into a race. Despite being a smaller club, I would not be surprised if Walton took this chance to prove they can compete with some of the biggest names on the junior rowing scene.
Lady Eleanor Holles School Boat Club
Another crew that has already proved their strength this season, Lady Eleanor Holles School Boat Club will undoubtedly look to finish on top this weekend. Finishing second at Pairs Head just a few weeks ago, Lady Eleanor Holles School BC will be looking to maintain this hot streak, and potentially prove that they can close the gap with the Walton crew. Despite Lady Eleanor Holles School BC being more seasoned on the sweeping scene, they have proven in the past that their success is not limited to sweep, and therefore I believe they will be pushing for a strong podium finish.
Molesey Boat Club
A club with a history of success on both the national and international scenes, Molesey Boat Club are likely to be one of the strongest crews entered. The two doubles they have entered share a good amount of experience; however, Jaiya Sakharet has enjoyed a notably successful 23/24 season, taking fourth place at the National Schools’ Regatta for WJ18 doubles. Despite Molesey’s absence from Pair’s Head, with the success of last season under their belt, they should not be underestimated.
Shiplake School Boat Club
A school with a reputation for creating successful rowers, I expect that Shiplake School Boat Club will be highly competitive. Putting out three doubles for this race, I predict Westbrook’s double will be the fastest. Amelia Westbrook is coming into her last season with Shiplake, and boasts an impressive track record. Taking second place at Schools’ Head of the River Race and fifth place at the National Schools’ Regatta, her experience will undoubtedly benefit Shiplake. The Bees did not race at Pairs Head this year, perhaps putting them at a slight disadvantage to their more race-ready competition. Despite this, I have no doubt that Shiplake will be punching for a podium finish.
Predictions
I predict it will be very close between first and second, with either Molesey or Walton taking the win. However, I also think that Lady Eleanor Holles School will fight tough, aiming to prove themselves against their local rivals. I predict that Shiplake may fall short of first or second, but I would not rule them out of finishing third.
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