Quintin Head is one of the most prestigious head races of the season and essentially the first of the calendar year. It takes place between University Post (Chiswick Bridge) and Fulham Reach (shortly after Hammersmith Bridge and before Harrods Depository) on the Tideway. For many of the crews in this Junior 18 eights category, it will be their first chance to see where they stack up among the fierce competition at the highest level of schoolboy rowing. Quintin Head will be a chance for coaches and athletes alike to get a better picture of how effective their training program has been since September.
King’s College School
Defending champions in this category from last year’s Quintin Head, where they won by three seconds, Kings will no doubt be keen to retain their pennant. As a local of the Tideway, I believe this course will ultimately be familiar. This is water where they have rowed for hours upon hours in all manner of boat types, mostly since J14. However, the season is new, and it will be up to them to again prove their mettle among a strong host of other rapid Junior 18 eights.
Radley College Boat Club
Coming in second at Quintin last year, I am sure this crew will be looking to turn the tide. Radley placed second at the National Schools’ Regatta last year, but on Saturday, they’re not competing against St Paul’s (the winners back in May). So, led by Angus Gray-Cheape in the stroke seat, they will be looking to stamp their authority over this category.
Eton College Boat Club
With a strong set of young athletes on board this year, Eton will look to show the quality they offer in the first race of this season. Placing fourth at the National School’ Regatta last year, their season was not necessarily the strongest they’ve ever had, but under new coaching guidance from Olympic gold medallist Will Satch, their key focus will be on returning to the top seat that they believe is rightfully theirs.
St Paul’s School Boat Club
With their first eight entered into the championship category, St. Paul’s second eight will be ready to provide fierce competition in the Junior 18 category. This race gives athletes ten to 18 the chance to impress Bobby Thatcher and stake a claim for a seat in the much-coveted Paul’s 1V, a boat that is the surest thing to national silverware that you can get in junior rowing.
Hampton School Boat Club
Despite their usual flooding-related disruption, Josh Butler will have been focused on getting his boys into prime shape for future races. They go off second in the category, chasing down KCS, and Hampton will be quite determined to build on the positive momentum we saw from the programme in 2024.
Prediction
The opening salvo of 2025 is highly anticipated, and all contenders will be desperate to take home first bragging rights. If I had to call it, I would argue that Radley are favourites. However, their lack of Tideway experience may give the edge to other clubs, such as Kings.
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