Junior Sculling Head is here, the first national level event of the season! Comprised of two 1800m stretches up and down Dorney lake, it is a true test of determination. With a range of clubs competing in this category it’s difficult to narrow down the top contenders, yet the small rivalries already forming will come to a head.
City of Bristol Rowing Club
Compared to some of the well-known titans of rowing, City of Bristol appear to be quite an underdog. Despite this, their junior crews have been performing exceptionally well over the last few seasons. This quads’ strong bond on and off the water has allowed them to succeed, placing them ninth at National Schools last year and placing third at the British Junior Championships. Their resilience will get them through the two gruelling lengths, making them a strong contender for a top 5 finish.
Nottingham and Union Rowing Club
Nottingham and Union have had a strong line of athletes come through in the past few years, this crew being no exception. With excellent role models in the age group above, the competitive spirit is evident all throughout the junior crews. This boat will be especially gunning for a medal position on Friday to rectify their almost bronze (by 3 seconds) this past British Junior Championships. Their strength lies in their time trials, giving them an advantage over the crews who have had limited mileage this winter.
Henley Rowing Club
One thing will always be for certain, if a Henley crew is entered, they will make an impression. Unlike usual, only one crew is entered: the infamous HEN-Pollard. With practically the whole WJ14 4x+ trophy cabinet in their boat, I predict this following season will follow suit. Yet, it is always interesting to see if the gap has shortened between Henley and the other crews each event. Will Junior Sculling Head be the race where one crew creeps ahead?
Stratford-Upon-Avon Rowing Club
Though starting in the middle of the pack, I have faith in Stratford-Upon-Avon to work their way up the ranks. Looking back at the results of last season, Stratford-Upon-Avon have consistently placed top ten amongst the best of the best in their age group. Now more than ever, after winning the West Midland Championships, this crew will want to create a name for themselves going into the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta.
Great Marlow School Boat Club
From first glance, Great Marlow School seems to be succeeding in the only the open events, but I believe this crew is ready to change that. Having won the B Final at British Rowing Junior Championships and settling for silver once again at Junior Sculling Regatta, the pressure is rising for this crew to take the top spot this year. I am sure after a long winter training block they will be determined and ready to pull a quick time.
Predictions
Out of the 62 crews entered in this category, I believe first place will be highly contested between Great Marlow School and Henley, with the latter getting the extra seconds in the final leg to pull ahead and take the gold. If their winter training has gone as expected, Nottingham and Union will rectify their loss to City of Bristol last summer, taking third.
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