National Schools’ Regatta 2021 – Boys’ Third Eights

It is incredible to see that three clubs have managed to enter their third eights into this category. With the year that the rowing community has had with land training and minimal time on the water, it would not have come as a surprise to see a number of athletes pursue other paths through life and squad depth be at an all time low. However, for St Paul’s and Abingdon, a third eight has been entered, and in the case of Eton, so has a fourth eight too.

Of course with the year that we have had there is not much to go off from a results perspective to get a speed indication of crews. What can be said is that Eton’s third crew is usually in a class above the rest of the field, winning the last two regattas, when they have gone ahead. I expect them to take the win on this, possibly posting a time that will scare some of the second crews looking ahead to the Henley qualification regattas if they are eying up a spot in the Temple Challenge Cup. It is possible that some of the athletes in the St Paul’s crew managed to get some all-important racing experience at Hammersmith Regatta a few week’s ago which could be the difference between the bronze and silver medal.

It is also worth noting that on the Saturday when these crews race, there will still be a time trial as well as the straight A-final. Depending on how the crews approach the time trial and their recovery, that could be the difference needed to overcome their opposition. Will crews paddle the time trial and conserve energy, safe in the knowledge that everyone makes the A-final? Or will they deem the time trial which decides the lanes too important, especially if the trademark Dorney crosswind makes an appearance?

Prediction

1. Eton

2. St Paul’s

3. Abingdon

4. Eton

If you are in these crews and disagree with my prediction, best of luck with the racing on Saturday, and prove me wrong.

OarsomeBows

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