NSR’s decision to prevent “doubling up” and only allow athletes to compete in one event each may mean a reduced field in this year’s edition of The Fox Tankard but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be any less exciting or fiercely competed over. The absence of any semi-finals this year means crews must make the absolute most of their time trial or risk losing out on a final.
In recent years it is Leander Club which has been most successful in this event but their lack of an entry in 2021 means the competition is wide open and it really is all to play for going into Sunday’s racing. The draw lays host to some big name clubs but it is the mix of perhaps lesser known entrants which could be most exciting to watch to see if any of them have something special to offer.
Tideway Scullers School
One of three Championship Boys events Tideway are entered into this weekend there’s a chance the club is spread thin in crew beyond there top quad. However, I think Tideway will prove the depth of talent they have in their J17/18 squad and put out a competitive crew with every chance of catching that gold medal.
Marlow Rowing Club
Marlow Rowing Club is better known for the success of its junior women’s crews rather than junior men’s in recent years. Their 2013 victory in the Fawley Challenge Cup is a feat the club will be hoping to repeat and proving themselves in this event is the first step towards that. Their entry has a J16 2x B finalist from 2019 who will no doubt have their eyes set on the A final this year.
Norwich School Boatclub
A programme which is primarily known for its sweeping ability Norwich will be aiming to prove its sculling credentials with its entry into the Fox Tankard . The school has not had the best form in Championship events in recent years with its success coming in younger age category’s. This bodes well for them this year as hopefully that talent and speed has made its way through their programme into the senior squad. Indeed half of their crew is a J15 8+ gold medallist who should bring some power to the crew.
Trying to predict a winner is no better than picking names out of a hat this year so its down to the rowers to make their own fate and prove themselves as champions. Besides the big name clubs mentioned entrants such as Herne Bay, Burway and Walbrook may have something hidden up their sleeves so make no presumptions on who will win and just sit back and watch the action unfold.
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