For what is typically the wettest race of the year, 55 WJ16 quads will flock down to Eton Dorney to compete against the clock, over two runs of 1800m. As we conclude the pitiful head season we’ve all endured this year, the Oarsport Junior Sculling Head provides the boost we need to gear up for those 2k summer regatta races. Let’s examine some potential front-runners:
Henley Rowing Club
Winners of the J14s and last year’s runners-up, Henley are undoubtedly going to be among the favourites for Friday’s race. Henley Rowing Club holds a prominent position in the circuit of junior girls’ rowing, consistently producing squads of unrivalled skill year after year, and this squad is no exception. With victories at Reading Small Boats Head and Wallingford Long Distance Sculls already this year, Henley will undoubtedly leave it all on the lake.
Headington School Boat Club
The reigning champions, Headington, are back to challenge Henley for that coveted top spot and reclaim their title. Following an intense race against Hereford Cathedral School at the National Schools’ Regatta in May, this crew has definitely been putting in the miles to create some distance between them. Earlier this season, racing on the 4km course at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls, Headington A secured second place, trailing behind Henley A. Headington B claimed 6th place, behind Henley B, Wallingford, and Stratford-Upon-Avon, suggesting they will be pushing hard to regain their top position.
Hereford Cathedral School
After an almighty battle with Headington for the National Schools’ championship last year, Hereford Cathedral School will be eyeing up those top spots to solidify their position in the top crews for this season. Based in the West Midlands, Hereford Cathedral is becoming an increasingly competitive club with two singles in the open championship category at National Schools’ last year, and a silver medal in the WJ15 quads – proving their coaching techniques are paying off.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
Back from last year’s bronze medal, Surbiton emerges as a strong contender in the quad category. Their recent success in the eight includes silver medals at both Hammersmith Head and Quintin Head and these achievements highlight Surbiton’s consistent ability to challenge top crews for podium finishes and victories, making them a team to watch as they continue to show their skill on the water.
AB Severn Rowing Club
Finishing third at the national championships in Scotland last year, AB Severn may not be a regular name in the circuit, but they are certainly a competitive one. In a recent race against Hereford Cathedral School, they secured a victory by a margin of five seconds. This crew has the potential to be a new and exciting challenger to the regular scene, hoping to shake up the expected results and challenge some of the top crews for gold.
Other notable crews consist of: Sir William Perkins, Maidenhead Rowing Club, Hartpury College, Molesey Boat Club and Tideway Scullers School.
Prediction
I believe Henley will be dominating the field of WJ16 quads this season, as they have done so often before, and will start now by claiming that gold medal, hotly followed by Headington. Claiming that final podium position I can see AB Severn just pipping Surbiton High School and Hereford Cathedral leaving them for fourth and fifth respectively.
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