The highly anticipated National Schools’ Regatta is rapidly approaching, bringing with it a mix of nerves and excitement. 46 women’s junior 15 coxed quads will face off in a 1.9k time trial, vying for those coveted spots in the finals. This event is the culmination of a years worth of hard training, and these girls are surely eager to show their progress on the junior stage, particularly under expected sunny skies.
Great Marlow School Boat Club
The Great Marlow School Boat Club girls are poised for an impressive showing at this year’s National Schools’ Regatta. Last year, they secured a solid fourth place in the respective WJ14 4x+ category with a time of 4:04.02, just eight seconds behind the first-place finisher. Building on that strong foundation, they have continued to demonstrate strength this season in the coxed quads; in March, they claimed first place at the Junior Sculling Head with a commanding 12-second lead and more recently, they dominated the Junior Inter Regional Regatta, finishing first once again. The National Schools’ Regatta course is an additional 500 meters longer than the Junior Inter Regionals Regatta, but with their significant lead of eight seconds, I am sure that this Great Marlow School BC quad is well positioned to maintain their advantage and potentially lead the pack this weekend.
Headington School Oxford Boat Club
At the Junior Sculling Head earlier this year, Headington School Oxford Boat Club have showcased their skill with an impressive third-placed finish, indicating their strength in longer distance races. It will be fascinating to observe how this junior 15 crew adapts to slightly shorter distances at this year’s National Schools’ Regatta and whether they can maintain their competitive edge. Furthermore, Headington’s recent trip to Italy for a training camp has undoubtedly bolstered their preparations for nationals, providing them with an extra edge and paired with a solid foundation of coaching, including guidance from experienced coach Ryan Demaine. I believe this WJ15 4x+ is well positioned to compete for top honours.
Putney High School Boat Club
With their sights set on success this season, Putney High School Boat Club has emerged as a formidable contender. Despite securing a commendable fifth-placed finish at the Junior Sculling Head, there was a 36-second difference between them and first place. They demonstrated remarkable improvement at the Junior Inter Regionals, where they claimed second place and an impressive time of 5:40.8. As they gear up for nationals, it will be intriguing to see how they fare against a larger pool of contenders and whether they can maintain their momentum on this national stage.
Notable Mentions
Several other crews are sure to make their mark at the upcoming National Schools’ Regatta. Among them is Sir William Perkins School Rowing Club, who demonstrated their prowess with a strong third-placed finish at Hampton Head, missing the top spot by around six seconds. Moreover, their eighth-placed finish at the Junior Sculling Head hints at their adaptability, especially considering their solid results in longer head races. It will be intriguing to see how they fare in the shorter races, where their performance might just surprise us.
Another crew to watch out for is Nottingham and Union Rowing Club. Distinguished by their commendable third place in the WJ14 quad last year, they commenced this season with a resounding victory at the Trafford Head of the Bridgewater where they claimed the top spot with a 40-margin on their closest rivals. This display of dominance was followed by a commendable fifth place at the prestigious Junior Inter Regionals, narrowly missing out on third by a mere two seconds. Despite a slightly lower ranking at the Junior Sculling Head, where they came seventh, their consistent performance underscores huge potential to excel at nationals.
Additionally, Marlow Rowing Club have been making waves despite their relative newness to quads. Their second-placed finish at the Junior Sculling Head and again at the Junior Sculling Regatta earlier this month showcases their impressive skill and suggests they are a force to reckoned with at Nationals.
Prediction
While Great Marlow School Boat Club appears poised to continue their quad success, the competition at nationals will be intense. I anticipate a show-down between top finishers from Junior Inter Regionals, such as Putney High School Boat Club, and other formidable contenders like Headington School Oxford Boat Club. However, my bet is on Putney and Henley to potentially clinch podium positions, given their consistent performance and competitive edge.
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