Marlow at Dorney is one of the premier regattas of the season and the last real chance for crews to get in some racing before Henley Royal Regatta. It’s a final opportunity to analyse how your crew performs in a competitive scenario and tailor training accordingly over the next week and a half before the big event. Every crew entered into J18 4x will have their sights set on the Fawley Challenge Cup with those clubs being happy just to qualify right up to those who are firm favourites. 35 crews race the category on Saturday with everyone guaranteed a final, meaning plenty of rowing for athlete and spectator alike.
The Windsor Boys School
A club which really does need no introduction, TWBS have dominated at every event they’ve raced at so far this season. From 4 crews in the top ten at Schools Head to winning every Championship boys sculling event at NSR a few weeks ago. They have their first and second quad entered to race at Marlow. They’re the first two to set off in the time trial and I’d expect them to be the first to cross the finish line in the A final.
Kingston Rowing Club
Kingston has had an impressive run at recent events. Silver at JSR, 5th at Wallingford topped off by 4th at NSR (a mere .5 second off of 3rd place). They’re a powerful crew who have been on an upwards trend all season and after their NSR performance they’ve proved themselves to be one of the top crews this season.
Henley Rowing Club
Henley have consistently been towards the top of the field this season. Although they may have not come away with many honours they have consistently place in A finals competed against the fastest crews. They finished 6th overall at NSR (albeit a good 9 seconds being Kingston).
TWBS are indisputably the favourites for a one-two finish but the absence of big hitters Leander and Claires Court opens up the field for other clubs. Excitingly there’s an international crew entered – The King’s School Parramatta from Sydney, Australia. Who knows what they might bring to the table.
Predictions:
1st – Windsor Boys A
2nd – Windsor Boys B
3rd – Kingston
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