Now that we are really in the midst of regatta season once again, the National Schools’ Regatta is just around the corner. As a race that many clubs and schools use as a milestone in the season, the weekend promises experienced and competent crews, many of whom will also be revising for their GCSEs and A Levels along the bank. With 22 crews in the WJ16 4x category and only 18 of these crews being able to compete in the finals, the time trial is the most important step in crews securing a top place.
Henley Rowing Club
Following on from their impressive head season, Henley Rowing Club are expected to excel at this year’s regatta. Known for being technically skilled as well as fast, the Henley RC crew have proved this reputation after winning the WJ16 4x at the Junior Sculling Regatta at the beginning of this month. Not only did they win, but they also achieved a new course record of 7:11.36 for the 2000m course. It would be no surprise to see this crew in the A final on Sunday, or even in a podium position.
Putney High School Boat Club
Recent races have seen Putney High School Boat Club hot on the tails of crews such as Henley RC and South African Schools Rowing Union. After placing just two seconds behind the South African Schools RU at Wallingford Regatta at the end of April, the crew went on to place four seconds behind Henley RC at the Junior Sculling Regatta. Putney High School BC have had plenty of experience of second place this season, and this regatta may be the final push they need to come top.
Marlow Rowing Club
Although Marlow Rowing Club have not been in as many races this season as some of their competitors, their recent third place at the Junior Sculling Regatta will reassure them of their capabilities. Placing only 4 seconds behind Putney High School BC, Marlow RC will be ready to prove their strength as a crew this weekend. They also have had slightly more experience of the format of National Schools’ Regatta than their competitors, after placing third in the time trial last year as a WJ15 4x+, while Henley RC placed sixth, and Putney High School BC did not compete.
Other entries
In terms of other strong competitors this year, the Molesey Boat Club WJ16 4x won the Poplar Regatta and came fifth in the B final of the Junior Sculling Regatta.
Kingston Rowing Club had a strong head season, after winning the double and placing third in the WJ16 4x at Hampton Head. Their WJ16 2x also placed twelfth at the Junior Sculling Regatta.
My Predictions
- Henley Rowing Club (514)
- Putney High School Boat Club (517)
- Marlow Rowing Club (516)
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