Perhaps the ultimate test of the depth of a programme’s talent, the second quads always provide an eclectic mix of crews that stun spectators with high-octane racing. NSR 2021 will be no different and will be nothing short of a fight to the death for those looking to book their ticket to HRR, prove their worth to their coach, or looking to blow away the cobwebs after almost two years away from Dorney – perhaps all three.
This year’s crews come from twelve institutions from across the British Isles. For many, this will be their first time racing above J16 level at a national event, with the actual test consequently being who manages to keep their nerve when the going gets tough.
Hampton School Boat Club
Like many of the London clubs, Hampton has been fortunate to enjoy sparing matches against the likes of Eton and Radley as restrictions in the UK have lifted. This will have put their squad in a stronger position than most, yet Hampton has failed to make significant headway in sculling boats over recent years. This year’s crew comprises Oskar Zieleznik, Teddy Jerome, Luke Jansen and Ben Francis; Zieleznik, Jansen, and Francis were last racing NSR in the 2nd J15 eight (B), which failed to progress beyond the Time Trial. Jerome faired slightly better, racing in the ‘A’ crew of the same category and managing to advance to the B final. As such, the question that will need to be answered is whether the switch to sculling has improved the luck of this crew, who will do doubt be spurred on by the energy of the large Hampton contingent competing at Dorney this year.
Claires Court School Boat Club
A club with a history in the quad, Claires Court School, have long been the ‘almost, but not quite’ crew, never truly managing to topple the heavyweights of the sculling circuit. Joe Aldridge, James Small, Kabir-Dev Bhalla and Richard Hennessy form this year’s crew, a group that has plenty of potential. Hennessy previously raced this event in 2019, making it to the A final, where stronger forces managed to keep him at bay. Small previously contested the J15 quads in 2019 but failed to progress beyond the time trial. Bhalla, meanwhile, already has experience at the sharp end of racing, having coxed CCS’ non-championship Eight in 2019, whilst Aldridge remains an unknown. Whether the depth of sculling expertise in this crew will give them the edge remains to be seen, but they should undoubtedly remain competitive.
The Windsor Boys’ School Boat Club
A member of the aforementioned heavyweight sculling club, The Windsor Boys’ have enjoyed vast success over previous renditions of NSR and later at Henley Royal. This year’s crew is also laden with experience, with three of the crew (Matty Sadler, Max Griffin Sadler and Dylan James) all having previously raced at NSR in 2019. Griffin Sadler and James enjoyed success in the J15 Eight, making it to tightly contested A final, whilst Sadler missed out on a medal opportunity with the J15 quad, instead finding his way to the C final; Cook remains the unknown. The crew above is not only highly motivated but backed by a robust programme that has proven its worth on the domestic and international stage – this boat is one to watch.
Tideway Scullers School
A club that consistently produces athletes that compete at the top-end of the GBR senior team, Scullers enjoy a deep pool of talent from which they can select across the junior ranks. Patrick Read, Connor Eaton, Henry Wells and Nico Delany is the unit trusted to fly the red and yellow flag at this weekend’s event; whether they will manage to dominate their opposition remains to be seen. Read previously raced the J16 quad, which narrowly missed out on competing in the A final, whilst the rest of the squad will be relying on his knowledge of the event to guide them. Despite having a mysterious pedigree, TSS are always highly competitive and should be excluded at the peril of their opposition.
Emanuel School Boat Club
Matthew Roe, Jamie Fairbairn, James Campbell and Ben Roope represent ESBC at NSR in the second quads. A well-seasoned crew, all of whom appeared in – albeit separate – crews at NSR in 2019. Emanuel has for a long time been another club plagued by an inability to climb to the top of the pile, but with a boat of experienced scullers, this would be the crew to disrupt that trend. Much like any other crew in this event, excluding the Emanuel crew would be foolish with such scant racing records for the crew.
Worthy Mentions
None of the crews can be discounted from competition at this stage. As such, and of the scullers from Sir William Borlase, Kings Worcester, Lea, Magdalen, Northwich, Walton, and Wallingford could throw a curveball into the field.
Predictions?
A concrete finish order prediction is near impossible, given the lack of knowledge we have on the pedigree of each of these crews. However, what is certain is that (virtual) spectators are in for a round of bloodthirsty racing from highly motivated crews who will be testing their competition and themselves and their tenacity after months stuck inside. The 2021 rendition of NSR is set to be a landmark event in the rowing calendar, and I have no doubt that this event will be one of the lynchpins.
I cannot wait to see quads in action once again!
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