With 34 boats entered into the new J16 category, it will be a tough race to win, especially with the likes of Henley, Headington and Latymer in the mix. Racing the two-kilometre stretch at Dorney not only tests strength, but also technique in the double. Conditions are everything when it comes to small boats, which could affect the overall time and result hugely, making this race very unpredictable.
Headington
Headington have entered two doubles into the J16 category. Theses doubles consist of Katie Jeans, Eleanor Giles and Ana Matveeva, Phoebe Horan. Katie Jeans raced in the J14 4x+ last year at NAT Schools, winning a bronze medal. Eleanor Giles, Ana Matveeva and Phoebe Horan raced in the J14 8x+ A, coming a close second to Henley last year. With these girls racing up a year, it’ll certainly make it tricky as many of the other boats will have more experience, yet they certainly proved themselves last year. These girls are also racing on the Saturday in the J16 8+.
Henley
Henley have entered one double consisting of Holly Nave and Riley Butcher. These girls are also racing in the Champ 2x on the Saturday. Last year they competed in the J15 4x+, coming 28th in the time trial, however Henley have had lots of success over this past year, and it’ll certainly be a tough race with Headington and Henley in the mix.
Latymer Upper School
Latymer have entered one double consisting of Lilly Davis and Ellie Bell. Ellie Bell raced last year at NAT Schools in the J15 4x+ B, winning the D final and also coming second in the J15 8+. Lily Davis also competed in the J15 2nd 8+ last year, coming 4th in the C final. Latymer have had growing success, coming just behind the likes of Henley and Headington in this past year.
St Edwards School
St Edwards School have entered Saskia ward and Isabel Llabres Diaz into the J16 2x category. They have also been entered into the J16 4+, which races on the Saturday. Isabel Llabres Diaz raced last year in the J14 4x+, coming 4th in the B final. Saskia Ward stroked last years J15 4+, which came first in the A final. This double looks to be strong considering last years results at NAT schools.
Kingston Rowing Club
Kingston have chosen to enter two doubles into the J16 2x category. In the A 2x they have chosen Francesca Bowden and Jessica Martin. Jessica Martin stroked last years J15 4x+, which won the B final. In the B 2x, Liveen Dosanjh is stroking with Sophia Waddington at bow. Sophie Waddington raced last year in the J15 4x+, winning the B final. Liven Dosanjh also raced last year in J15 4+, coming 4th in the B final. This double raced at Gb trials in the J16 2x in February, coming second out of the entries. Although Kingston may not have the strongest results from last year, they have improved significantly, and will be expected to keep up with the top boats.
Predictions
I predict the two crews from Headington, and the doubles from Henley and Kingston to do well, however Headington does lack experience in the 2x,but they do have the power there. Although these are my predictions, it does come down to also the conditions of the day, and how the crews respond to the weather. The J16 2x will definitely be a race well worth watching.
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