National Schools’ Regatta 2021 – Second Eights

The Boys 2^nd 8+ event, or Elsenham Cup, typically plays second fiddle to the blockbuster Championship event, with these crews generally made up of the next nine best senior level rowers from each of the big schools. Nonetheless, the event is usually of a very high quality, with the crews competing fiercely and churning out some impressive times when the Dorney gods allow. The front runners will almost certainly be those schools with the largest depth in their senior squad, and with only 10 entries this year, I think there are a few safe bets. One notable absence are the current holders of the Elsenham Cup, Radley College, who do not have a crew entered this year.

St Paul’s

With their first eight producing some impressive results in recent years including winning Championship Eights in 2018 and 2019, St Paul’s are in a very strong position as a club. They raced recently at Hammersmith Regatta, with the second eight being knocked out by Tideway Scullers B in the Open Eights category by one length, although it is difficult to predict much from this event. In 2019, St Paul’s finished fifth in second eights as NSR, no doubt they’ll be looking to improve on that this year.

Eton College

As famously the largest boat club in the world, we can expect that Eton will be among the front runners in the second eights with their squad depth carrying the quality from their first eight to the second eight. With such little preparation in the form of other regattas this year and changes to the format due to Covid restrictions, Eton’s home advantage may be all the more potent this year. Winning silver in 2019, Eton will be looking to go all the way this year.

Shiplake College

Rounding out my top three is Shiplake, who as a club have been on an impressive upward trajectory for some years. They were third behind Eton and Radley in 2019, but as of yet have not claimed the win in a major race. No doubt this will be a close race, so can Shiplake make this their year, and finally overcome their competitors in Eton and St Paul’s?

Predictions

First place: Eton College, second place: St Paul’s, third place: Shiplake. With so little to go on this year, knowing who is in form has never been harder. However, going on reputation and previous results, it is hard to see past Eton. It is worth noting that Royal Shrewsbury School also featured in the A final of this event in 2019, and will definitely look to be competitive again. The likes of King’s College School, Bedford and Abingdon will then fight it out for the last two spots in the A final.

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John Laurenson

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