There is a diverse and eclectic mix of entries for this year’s Nottingham City regatta which marks just over 50 days to the long-awaited Henley Royal Regatta, marking the end of the racing season for most crews. Between now and then, however, these young athletes will have to battle exam stress and growing rowing commitments, and most pressingly, Notts City this weekend where nine Schoolboy crews will race to claim the gold at what is often considered the most understated Regatta of the season.
Many of the crews racing this weekend are highly competitive and will be looking to find themselves on the podium at National Schools’ later in the season, and they will accomplish no mean feat as they fight their way down the ‘back-to-front’ course to prove their worth as a crew to the rest of the field; and as individuals to their coaches.
Shiplake College:
Last year, Shiplake found themselves basking in the shadow of what was arguably one of the best schoolboy crews of all time: “Bobby’s boys” who showed the crowds that lined the banks of Henley just what a J18 crew is capable of. However, Shiplake seemed to be quietly pumping iron and perfecting technique as they remained at a consistent and respectable ranking for the majority of the 2018 season, notably placing third at National Schools’ Regatta, whilst dropping slightly at Henley as a result of drawing the short straw and racing Radley College in the Heats.
This year, however, they have returned with a vengeance. Pure domination is the only way to describe their tight, but satisfying victory at Schools’ Head; backed up by an equally impressive victory at Quintin Head. Shiplake are clearly the standout crew at Nottingham this year and will be a force to reckon with, but they will have their work cut out…
Radley College:
Shiplake’s nemesis at Henley last year, Radley beat Shiplake in the heats and were themselves eventually knocked out of the competition by St. Pauls. In another impressive performance, last season they claimed silver in the Championship Eights at National Schools’ – both of which were to place them in good stead for this years’ head season.
Radley dominated at Wallingford Head this year Beating both St. Pauls and Kings College and went on the place a respectable third at Hammersmith head where they were Beaten by St. Pauls and the event winners: Eton College. They ended the season on a relative high, dropping only one place at the most competitive Head Race of the season – Schools’ Head. At Nottingham what can we expect? Well, they will be one of the closest rivals to Shiplake, placing them in a position to rival for gold or settle for a less impressive medal.
Kings College School:
Usually, a highly competitive club; Kings College School appears to have taken a slight hit this year, only managing to place joint ninth in an admittedly competitive field alongside the visiting Italian crew CUS Milano. Their performance at Quintin Head was far more satisfactory cruising to an ample third. This, alongside a fourth-place finish at Wallingford Head, means that the Kings’ Head season is not one to be sniffed at; but also not one that would worry the big players in this cohort.
Monmouth School:
One of the most interesting aspects of Nottingham City is that it amalgamates all the Junior 18 events into one pot of excitement and adrenaline; which means that crews which normally lurk in the First Eights’ races are pitted against their championship counterparts. Monmouth is one such crew. Training away from the Tideway, Monmouth don’t often have the opportunity to look their competitors for Saturday in the eye; however such competitors should remain wary. Monmouth stole a joint victory in the First Eights at schools’ Head alongside Winchester College; which places them in a strong position coming into the weekend – but is it enough to topple the Championship eights? Only time will tell.
Conclusions:
Shiplake College are the clear favourites for this weekend; with an impressive track record that will unnerve even the most drilled of their opponents, Radley – their crossest competition – are another crew with a daunting history that has the potential to topple Shiplake’s stranglehold on the event. Kings College and Monmouth are also competitive crews in this event; however the once dominant St. Pauls are failing to make an appearance; as are the Etonians. As a result, we will have to take whatever the result of this weekend with a pinch of salt when we look forward to races further ahead in the season.
Good Luck!
OneScull
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