The most eagerly anticipated junior regatta of the season, the National Schools’ Regatta, has arrived at last. Hosted at the prestigious Eton Dorney Olympic Lake, it brings together the finest junior athletes the country has to offer. Among the intense competition, the women’s junior 16 eights on Saturday promises to be particularly thrilling, showcasing talent soon showing up in the WJ18 squads.
Wimbledon High School
Starting with last year’s champions in the WJ15 eights is Wimbledon High School, who last year raced bow-ball to bow-ball in the final to maintain their fastest qualifying position. They have had more success this head season than last year too, showing their progression: they won at Hampton Head and placed fifth at Schools’ Head, perhaps putting them in good stead for a quick time.
Henley Rowing Club
After missing out on the gold by 0.3 seconds last year, Henley will be back and fuelled by their determination to claim the top step on the podium. Henley come into this regatta boasting an extremely successful head season in the eights, placing second at Schools’ Head and winning Quintin Head. Moving into regatta season, Henley have excelled in sweep and so far won at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta and at Wallingford Regatta. Having already proved their speed side by side, Henley will easily be the favourite for this year’s gold medalist.
Headington School
Notably lacking results from head season so far, the Headington eight for this year is a mystery to the circuit. The school boasts a strong J15 season and a bronze medal at Schools’ Head in the championship eight suggests this crew would be strong contenders to see out racing. Headington have a strong legacy of school eights and this squad certainly have to potential to fill in the school’s reputation.
St Pauls Girls School
Placing eighth at this regatta last year, St Paul’s Girls’ School will be looking to sneak into that A-final to build on last year’s results. Claiming a win at Schools’ Head this year in the WJ16 school/first eights, St Paul’s have proved themselves to be a contender for this season. However, with a time that would place them fifth in the WJ16 Championship category, and facing a change of discipline in the side-by-side racing, Paul’s will need to pull together to secure that A-final position.
Surbiton High School
Having been a consistently competitive crew across the winter races this year, Surbiton are certainly a crew to watch. Claiming second at Quintin and fourth at Schools’ Head, this crew is undeniably strong and definitely has the potential to challenge up front for this Saturday. Recently finishing fourth at Wallingford puts them just outside the medal places — a position I am sure they will work hard to get out of.
Latymer Upper School
Swooping in to claim victory at Schools Head at the WJ16 championship eights are the skilful eight from Latymer Upper School, who have highlighted themselves as top competitors for this season. Their recent finish in third at Wallingford Regatta down this very same course suggests a strong chance of medals for this crew next weekend.
Prediction
I believe it would be an enormous effort to overthrow Henley Rowing Club next weekend and so they are my favourites for this race. As for second place, I would give that to Latymer Upper School with Wimbledon following closely behind them to claim third and round out the medals.
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