A quick turnaround after New Year celebrations sees rowers come together to race at the Head of the Nene in Peterborough over the long 5km course or the short 2.6km course. Spread over three divisions, rowers take on the head race, which will hopefully let crews start to gauge their speed coming into spring racing. For the junior women’s eights, every race counts, as events such as the Women’s Head of the River, or the fast-approaching summer racing, truly take no prisoners. A relatively small draw sees just three crews take on the 5km course, with two Bedford Girls School Rowing Club crews and one Emanuel School crew fighting to take the win. Bedford are certainly no stranger to the Peterborough race. Having entered in this category last year, their crews have precedent with a strong second and fourth placing.
Bedford Girls School Rowing Club
Bedford is not a school to shy away from a race, and the development of their squad over the years has shown an upward trajectory. While their sweep programme is expanding, their ambition is clear, as evidenced by their participation in challenging events such as Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Women’s Regatta. These appearances not only showcase the breadth of their competitive spirit but also highlight the determination driving their continued growth.
Having entered two boats into the racing, they make up 2/3 of the draw, and I’m sure coming away with first and second place would further their confidence in the boat. Bedford will likely have the advantage coming into the race because, as mentioned before, they are accustomed to the River Nene. While it is one of the straighter head races, racing takes place upstream, and that means that even small nuances of the course can have an impact. A bit of experience with the water, especially with possible wind, never goes amiss in racing, and any familiarity with the course could provide an edge.
Emanuel School
The Emanuel School crew represents their iconic blue and yellow kit, aiming to claim the Tankard prize ahead of Bedford. Most recently, Emanuel has gained valuable experience racing at smaller regattas nationwide, allowing their rowers to hone their skills at various competitions. Their women’s Junior 18 eight appeared at Teddington Head, securing a strong fourth place in their category, and the rest of the women’s sweep squad earned multiple medals across all age groups, from women’s Junior 15 to women’s Junior 18.
The school has been eager to get their rowers into competitive racing, knowing that every race provides an opportunity to build both mental and physical resilience. This endurance is crucial in head races, as it’s built up and tested with each event. Emanuel has shown strength in the depth of their sweep programme, and as we move into spring, it will be interesting to see if they can start to challenge for positions at the top end of school rowing. They could push for a win in this category, but Bedford may have an advantage with the familiarity of the course.
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