JRN

Oarsport Junior Sculling Head 2023 – Junior 16 Women’s Quads Preview

As one of Dorney Lake’s biggest races, the Junior Sculling Head encompasses racers of all abilities from all over the country. Even though the course – two 1,800m runs – is easily navigated, the distance between racing crews and cycling coaches adds to the infamous crosswinds, often leaving crews isolated: especially those in coxless boats. With over fifty entries in the Women’s Junior 16 Quads category, it promises to be a tight race, where even five seconds can be the difference between first and tenth place.

Henley Rowing Club

Last year’s Scullery Head saw the (then WJ15 4X+) Henley crew placing seventh out of an overall 65 boats. Recently, we have seen the Henley WJ16s excel in races, and this streak promises to continue throughout the remainder of the season. After the WJ16 4- won second place at Hampton Head in February, the WJ16 4x- and 8+ went on to win at Henley Fours and Eights Head. As we come to the end of the head season, the development of Henley RC’s WJ16s can be clearly seen, giving them a very strong chance of a great result at Dorney Lake.

Surbiton High School Boat Club

Surbiton HSBC is the first of the WJ16 crews to race this year, after their close second to Headington School Oxford Boat Club by just 1.4 seconds at last year’s Scullery Head. Recent successes such as the WJ16 4x winning the Quintin Head, and the WJ16 4- coming second at Hampton Head will be sure to boost their confidence as a crew this year.

Headington School Oxford Boat Club

As last year’s winners, Headington School Oxford BC have the experience of a podium position; if they can keep Henley RC off their tails. Although we have not seen Headington crews at many races recently, their third place in the WJ16 4x category of the Quintin Head provides reassurance of their strength and racing ability.

Other entries

Kingston Rowing Club – after placing fourth at last year’s Scullery Head, their quad is back as the second crew on the water this year. They recently won the WJ16 2x and placed third in the WJ16 4x at Hampton Head.

Molesey Boat Club – another club with lots of recent racing experience, Molesey BC placed seventh in the WJ16 2x and ninth in the WJ16 4x- at Hampton Head.

My predictions