Pairs Head gives us a first glance at much of the sweep talent across the nation, which will be an interesting chance to see how these crews fare after the summer off. Racing on the Championhship course is no easy feat, and especially not in these small boats – so I’m sure this weekend will be no short of excitement.
St. Paul’s School Boat Club
Peerless/Wild
Felix Peerless returns to Pairs Head this year looking to retain his title as the fastest J18 Pair. He returns without his usual partner in crime: Philip Wolfensberger, who is racing in the Championship category with Sam Fowlie. Fresh from gold at the World Championships in the M8+ he is accompanied by Wild. Now unfortunately, owing to the recent and controversial move of Alec Wild to St. Paul’s, leaving LUSBC, it is no longer apparent to me which Wild is which. Nonetheless, this pair will be contending for the title regardless of which brother is sitting in the stern.
Karadogan/Wild
Another World Champion from Paul’s, Alp placed sixth here last year as a J16 and will be looking to contend with Peerless’ pair. Much like Felix, he is accompanied by a mystery Wild brother. With Pat Wild straight out of one of the most successful U19 pairs in the world, and Alec from the winning Coupe 4-, I look forward to seeing the outcome of this phase of the family rivalry, and which brother will come out on top this weekend.
Tallec-Botos/Reese
This pair has emerged from the 5 and 6 seats of last year’s J16 eight who narrowly lost out to Eton College at the National School’s Regatta final. Fresh into the SPSBC senior program, this pairing will be looking to make a name for themselves this Sunday.
SPSBC are full of talent, and the other entries will certainly be strong this weekend.
King’s School Canterbury Boat Club
Journeying in from the far east, the pair of Haldane/Majomi from KSCBC look to stamp out a solid result while being the sole representatives of their club. The pair are returners from last year’s 1st VIII who came fifth in the C Final of the Championship Eights at NSR last season. However, I can’t see them breaking into the Paul’s dominated category.
Walton Rowing Club
Howells and Springett emerge from Walton’s 2nd 4x who got silver in the B Final at NSR last season. Much like the boys from King’s Canterbury, they’ll certainly have to put on their best show to challenge the likes of Peerless and Karadogan.
Norwich School Boat Club
White and Conway, from Norwich, are my favourites to break into the podium. Placing second in the Championship 4- at NSR last season they have shown that they are capable of a strong performance when needed, and I’m pretty confident that they are capable of challenging the fleet of pairs from SPS for a spot on the podium
Predictions
- Peerless/Wild
- Karadogan/Wild
- Tallec-Botos/Reese
Looking at these predictions almost feels like watching the F1 podium this year, with Red Bull being St Paul’s School Boat Club and a distinct similarity between Bobby Thatcher and Christian Horner. However, love them or hate them, we have to admit the strength of the SPS programme, year after year, that leads us to make predictions like this. Bear in mind their top boat isn’t even competing in this category this year. With both Wild pairs starting one after the other, I think we’re in for some tight racing, so keep your eyes peeled!
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