With only 7 entries, this event will function as a straight final. There will be some tough competition, with two crews looking very strong for a gold medal.
Henley
Henley has a really talented J16 girl’s squad this season. At Pair’s Head two boats managed to place 1st and 2nd far ahead of the field. All four of these girls will be in the top crew. As strong as their individuals look, they haven’t quite dominated this season in the bigger J16 boats. They were 2nd behind LEH at School’s Head in the Eight. At Wallingford they were 2nd behind Marlow in the Four, and 2nd behind Headington in the quad.
Lady Eleanor Holles
LEH may be the crew to take Henley down. They beat Henley by a small margin in the Eight at School’s Head, so there should be some tight racing down the 2k course this weekend. The girls have strong results in small boats but they do not match Henley. At Pair’s Head they placed 3rd behind both Henley Boats in the J16 double. Claire Jackson managed an impressive 6th place at February Trials in the J16 single, but Henley’s Georgie Robinson Ranger placed 6th at February Trials in the J18 single. LEH does have great depth, being the only team to enter two eights in this event. It will be their depth and experience in big boats that could challenge Henley.
Headington
Headington dominated the W16 quad at Wallingford this season, with a 10 second win over Henley. They also showed off their sweep ability at School’s Head with a 3rd place finish in the J16 Eight. They should be looking to medal but it is hard to see them winning this weekend.
Marlow
Marlow dominated the WJ16 coxed Fours at Wallingford this season, with an impressive 9 second win over Henley. They did not have as good of a performance at School’s Head, placing 4th, almost a minute and a half behind winners LEH. While the other top teams appear to be keeping their best J16s racing in this event, Marlow has put Charlotte Fennell, who got 10th place at February Trials in the J16 single, in their Champ Eight on this day. It is hard to see them winning a medal, although it still wouldn’t be impossible.
My final prediction is in the same order as the medalists of the J15G8+ event last year:
1st-Henley
2nd-LEH
3rd-Headington
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