Once again, the National Schools’ Regatta is creeping up on us, and the anticipation is building among junior rowers and eager junior rowing enthusiasts alike. With the blue riband championship events, it is easy to overlook some of the most thrilling contests. The third eights, as ever, have a limited entry, which accentuates the power and depth of the entered boat clubs. This year, we have five major contenders who will scrap it out over the 2000 turquoise meters of Eton’s Dorney Lake.
Eton College
This leads us to our first challenger – Eton College. This event is often referred to colloquially as the Eton Cup due to the chokehold the school has had on this event in the past. However, last year, they were overturned by Radley College. I’m sure they will be eager to right this wrong and build on their second-placed result at the Schools’ Head of the River.
Radley College
Radley College, the holders of this event, will be looking to hang on to their title. However, fourth place at the Schools’ Head of the River, almost a minute and a half off the pace, leaves a lot to be desired. Radley often kick on into the summer, and I can see them having a scrap with Bedford School.
Bedford School
Bedford School seems to be the new kid on the block when it comes to third eights and have so far not disappointed, with a strong third-placed finish at the Schools’ Head of the River. They were just over ten seconds off Eton – definitely a bridgeable gap.
St Paul’s School
Finally, we have St Paul’s School. In my view, the favorites to win this event, St Paul’s stormed down the Tideway in March to pull out a 30-second victory over second-place Eton. St Paul’s as an entire club seems to be unassailable in all categories, and I think their third eight will likely contribute to what I think could be a St Paul’s sweep of the open events.
Prediction
I think the definite favorites are St Paul’s, who are showing yet again why they are the dominant force in schoolboy rowing. They have produced almost two eights of triallists, set ridiculous new records both in their crews and as individuals, and are continuing to raise the standard while other clubs are trying to cling on and not be left behind. I think next we’ll have a close race between Eton and Bedford for the silver medal. I think we will end up seeing Eton, who were the quicker crew at the Schools’ Head of the River, come out on top, but regardless, it should be a good race. Next, I think we’ll have Radley, and then Abingdon.
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