With the recent bout of poor weather we have received recently in the UK, it only seems fitting that we begin racing over parts of the championship course. The first official race – with the exception of The Wingfield Sculls – is Pairs head, which will occur this Sunday, and will finish around Hammersmith. This year, there are only 6 entries in J18 Championship doubles, nevertheless, this will allow us to see where the top sculling programmes are in the UK, and will allow us to preview some possible quad speed later in the year. With the weather set to be a light drizzle, racing should be very competitive.
Lea Rowing Club
Returners from last year’s quad, O’Conner/Ferraro will be looking to continue where they left off last season, after a fourth place finish at National Schools Regatta, and made it to the Friday of Henley. Although losing a couple of members of the quad, they will be quick later in the season, however, for now, the double will have plenty of speed.
Shiplake College Boat Club
Two entries this year from Shiplake, and all four athletes have good trials results, and therefore will be expected to be fast. The fact Shiplake have entered 4 Champ pairs and 2 Doubles could point to the fact they intend on an eight and a quad this year.
Tideway Scullers
Scullers have the obvious advantage of being the home club, which, on the tideway, is priceless as the line can cost minutes, and so, this double will be competitive, especially when considering the athletes who will be racing it.
Eton College Boat Club
Both athletes in this boat are into their final year of schoolboy rowing, however what separates them is the fact James Watson-Gandy was in the PE winning boat last year. A good programme will mean fast athletes, however a relative lack of sculling experience may catch them out if the weather does turn for the worst.
Kingston Grammar School Rowing Club
Probably the weakest entry in the championship category, I cannot find much on either athlete, however to be in this category, they must believe that they have genuine speed, so it will be interesting to see where they rank.
StrokeOnBowside
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