The start of the 24/25 rowing season has been clearly underwhelming, with the cancellation of Wallingford Head, Fours Head, and Hampton Head reminding the rowing community of similar disruptions just under a year ago. However, a glimmer of hope remains on the horizon. The Head of the Nene, a lesser-known race, offers an opportunity for crews to shake off the disappointment. Held in Peterborough, the course may not boast the charm or scenery of more iconic venues, with its bleak, dead-straight (barring one turn) and flat water. Yet, it is steadily gaining recognition. Junior crews, in particular, are beginning to see its value as an ideal chance to complete a 5k on-water trial ahead of the prestigious Schools’ Head of the River in March. Although entries remain modest, with notable crews such as St Paul’s School Boat Club, Bedford School Boat Club, and King’s School Ely Boat Club set to compete, the talent on display promises to make the race one to watch.
St Paul’s School Boat Club
‘A’ and ‘B’
The crews entered here appear to form the foundation of their formidable Junior 16 squad. Having already secured victories in their mixed eights at both BASHER Head and Quintin Head, the boys from Barnes seem to be deep in their own selection process. For the first time this season, they are fielding their aptly named ‘A’ and ‘B’ crews. Their ‘A’ crew is expected to feature all seven of their J16 GB trialists, alongside key members of the eight that clinched back-to-back victories at the National Schools’ Regatta in the Junior 14 and Junior 15 categories. However, their ‘B’ crew should not be overlooked. Demonstrating an almost unrivalled depth of talent, this boat also secured victory by clear water at last year’s National Schools’ Regatta and notably defeated the bronze medalists in the ‘A’ boat category. These boys clearly having something special brewing with the power on land almost certainly there, will they be able to produce it on the water?
‘X’, ‘Y’, and ‘Z’
These crews appear to stem from the Junior 15 squad’s mixed eights. After suffering narrow defeats in both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ boat categories at last year’s National Schools’ Regatta, it’s clear these boys are out for redemption. St Paul’s relentless depth across age groups continues to impress. Likely comprising some of the same athletes, they secured a dominant 1-2 finish at BASHER Head two weeks ago, edging out Hampton—the crew that triumphed over them last season. Last weekend, they followed up with a solid second and third place finish behind a strong KCS ‘A’ crew. This weekend is expected to mark their final outing in mixed crews before they head into the selection for their own boats. While they’re undoubtedly quick, whether they have the speed to challenge the ‘big dawgs’ of their Junior 16 squad remains to be seen.
Bedford School Boat Club
After finishing second in the C Final at last year’s National Schools’ Regatta, the Bedford School Boat Club boys have a lot to prove if they want to challenge the dominance of the ‘black and white mafia.’ With a new crew assembled and fresh momentum, complete with a ‘new whip’, they could spring some surprises this weekend. Earlier this year, they claimed victory in the four at Star Autumn Head, but transferring that power and precision to the eight remains the big question. While it’s unlikely they’ll topple the powerhouse St Paul’s crew, if there’s any team I’d back to leave it all on the water, it’s Bedford.
King’s School Ely Boat Club
Perhaps an unrecognised underdog, this age group at King’s School Ely Boat Club brought both a coxed four and an eight to last year’s National Schools’ Regatta. The four delivered an impressive performance, earning a coveted spot in the A-final, the only A-final finish for the club during the entire event. While their eight secured a respectable, though likely underwhelming, D Final finish, the crew left with a clear hunger for more. This year, they’ve combined their efforts with a crew experienced at competing at the highest level of junior rowing, adding depth and experience to their lineup. With this new synergy, they could have what it takes to turn heads. Could this be the age group that brings King’s Ely out of the shadows and into the spotlight?
Prediction
The boys from Bedford and King’s Ely were probably less than thrilled when they saw the entries list for this race. The sheer might of St Paul’s, fielding five eights of exceptional quality across two age groups, is an intimidating prospect, especially given that these crews represent some of their strongest talent yet. It’s hard to imagine Bedford managing to seriously challenge the dominance of St Paul’s, but as always, anything is possible on race day. For King’s Ely, this event offers a valuable opportunity to build cohesion within their crew and make significant strides in preparation for the Schools’ Head of the River. That said, the Junior 16 age group from St Paul’s looks nearly unstoppable. My prediction? A commanding 1-2 finish for St Paul’s, with Bedford’s Junior 16s potentially engaging in a spirited battle with the St Paul’s Junior 15s, though I expect Bedford will ultimately come out on top in that clash
1 – St Paul’s ‘A’
2- St Paul’s ‘B’
3 – Bedford ‘Bds colts A’
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