image credit @allmarkone
Quintin Head is raced along a 4.5k stretch of the Thames from Hammersmith to 650m below Chiswick Bridge. For our WJ15 category, this will be many of the girls’ first experiences of racing on the Tideway, especially in the eights. The large majority of crews will use this event as a first warm-up for Schools’ Head in two months’ time, an opportunity to see where they stand against the competition after winter training.
It should also be noted that with the crews not being entered under surnames of the crew, these predictions rely heavily on reputations and past performances of the club rather than the individual crews.
Henley RC
Henley came 2nd at this event last year, suggesting a strong sweep section of the club which we can assume will have filtered down to the WJ15 squad. Earlier in the season, this squad won the WJ15 4x+ category at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls on both the long and short courses, suggesting this crew will set the bar high. Due to weather conditions this winter, water time has been limited for a large number of clubs, Henley included, with their stretch of river being red-flagged for weeks on end. From this we can assume the crew will have spent a significant amount of time in the gym – there’s no doubt this crew will be strong, however how technically together does this leave them?
Lady Eleanor Holles School
Lady Eleanor Holles School won this event last year, showing an equally good, if not better, women’s’ junior sweep squad than Henley. However, with next to no performances from this squad so far this season, will they be able to reclaim last year’s title?
Surbiton High School
With 3 crews entered in this category, Surbiton shows evidence of a strong WJ15 sweep squad. These entries show no indication of a top crew and so we are unable to predict which will give Henley and LEH the greatest run for their money – perhaps they all will!
Putney High School
Once again, there is limited background on this squad but could racing on their home stretch of water give Putney High School the valuable advantage of experience needed? Between the two crews from this school, I feel we may see an underdog emerge on Sunday.
Predictions
Due to the breath of Henley’s background, I think they may just scrape the win, however, they will be closely followed by at least 1 Surbiton crew. I predict it will then fall between Lady Eleanor Holles School and Putney High School to battle it out for third. This said, I would also not underestimate the possibility of Headington putting down a quick time, based on their history of strong women’s junior eights during regatta season.
LoudMouth
About The Author
