The first major race of the new year sees well over 20 Junior men’s eights travel to the tideway to race on the Boat Race Course over 4600m, running from Chiswick Bridge to Harrods Wharf. With a substantial number of entries from the big programmes we can be sure for some top-quality crews on Saturday.
St Edward’s School
St Edward’s School lead off the field, with just the one eight entered it is very likely that this will be their 1steight and will be a good run for them ahead of the up-and-coming Schools’ Head in March. Stroked by Josh Bragan he will need to use his technical skills in order to set a strong rhythm on what is more often than not challenging water. St Edwards had some strong and encouraging results from Fours Head which prove they are a quick crew and certainly up there for the win.
Radley College
With 3 eights entered Radley have a large group of boys making the trip to the tideway. After a disappointing Henley Royal Regatta they have made a sizeable improvement since then, most notably a second-place finish in the coxless four at the Fours Head. A solid performance here will confirm that they are on an upwards trajectory and one to keep an eye on later on in the summer season. However, I feel it is unlikely that they will challenge for the win, but never rule anybody out.
Eton College
The club that needs no introduction, after winning the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup back in August, we know these boys are fast. With returning members from that crew they are for sure a favourite to take the win. With two crews entered they should both be feared. Clear favourites in my opinion.
Shiplake College
Another household name in junior rowing, Shiplake have 3 eights racing. It is clear from previous results already this season that Shiplake have a very strong squad and will definitely be looking to place in the top 5. Rowing on tideway will undeniably be different from what these boys train on being on the upper Thames region, their technical skills will be essential over this difficult course.
St Pauls School
The home crew, St Pauls based by Hammersmith Bridge will know this water like the back of their hand. The cox will have a substantial role to play in this being such a fast and tricky course, they could make all the difference when it comes down to it. With one boat already entered in the Op senior category it is likely that this is their 2nd crew, but don’t be fooled they will still be one to watch out for on Saturday.
Other
Other notable mentions go to Westminster, King’s College School, who have also entered into the Op Champ event so it will be interesting to see how they fair against the championship crews, and Reading Blue Coat School. All these crews may give us a shock result, we will have to wait and see.
Predictions
I would put my money on Eton taking the win, followed by St Edwards in second and St Pauls coming in third. However being on the tideway, anything can happen so don’t be surprised to see Shiplake or even Westminster mixing things up at the top.
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