Now that we are really in the midst of regatta season once again, the National Schools’ Regatta is just around the corner. The highlight for many clubs and schools, NSR promises many experienced and capable crews which makes for some exciting racing. The Sommerville Cup, awarded to the quickest women’s second eight, demonstrates not only the strength and watts across the squad but also the high calibre of the programme. Coaches and athletes alike will be looking to prove themselves as the best of the best, but who will take home this coveted trophy?
Henley Rowing Club
A club that needs no introduction, Henley are the epitome of women’s rowing, consistently developing incredibly strong squads that enjoy immense success. Their renowned rigorous programme will benefit both their championship boat and the second eight crew, leading them to be very strong contenders for success in this category. Having come first in the second eight category at the Schools’ Head of the River, obliterating their competition (including Headington) by eight seconds, it seems clear that this Henley crew are looking to establish their dominance and I am sure next weekend will be no exception.
Headington Rowing Club
Without the classic Henley-Headington rivalry, schoolgirl rowing would be upended. Thus, as ever, I’m certain that Headington will only be fuelled by their eight-second loss to Henley during the Schools’ Head of the River and are still extremely strong contenders for the ever-coveted Sommerville Cup. Having put in a fabulous season in both the eight and in smaller boats, it will be exciting to see how Headington come together on the main day.
Marlow Rowing Club
With a predictably strong championship eight, it has been surprising to see Marlow’s second eight rise to the occasion this year, posting an impressive bronze medal at the Schools’ Head of the River. However, being a full 22 seconds behind Henley makes the idea of a gold medal somewhat far-fetched for this crew. However, they have had an impressive season this year and have certainly stepped up from last year. I am excited to see what Marlow can do this weekend and if they can potentially pull off a silver medal.
Lady Eleanor Holles
A bastion of this community, LEH were fourth at the Schools’ Head of the River and approach the National Schools’ Regatta with a renewed vigour. Their depth is impressive and testament to the production of line of talent they so often seem to master. Closing the gap on the front-runners in this category will be crucial; they were 11 seconds back on Marlow in March and over 40 seconds back on the winners from Henley.
Surbiton High School
Having only emerged onto the junior rowing scene a decade or so ago, Surbiton are now firmly established as a leading contender. They have three eights entered, including two second boats, which is the largest flotilla of any school in this section. Whilst their top crew aims for podium placements, the second boat will be looking to sure up the distance between themselves and the four crews in front at the Schools’ Head of the River.
Prediction
This year, I’m predicting a Henley win. Following their immense successes, particularly in the winter season, I believe their dominance in the regatta season is to be expected. Their notoriously strong programme regularly produces incredible results and I am sure that this year will be no exception.
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