Storming into the new year, Quintin Head is one of the largest tideway heads. This weekend, we will see 300 eights, ranging in age and experience, flock to the Thames to race both the clock and their rivals to that precious first place position. It seems there should be a thrilling display of junior talents with 14 crews in the Junior 16 Women’s category.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
A community built from teamwork, Surbiton High School Boat Club are set to impress in this event as shown by their clear ability to succeed. In particular, their success at the recent Kingston Small Boats’ Head, where the Junior 16 squad found themselves strongly placed above fellow competitors. By reflecting on their previous season, it becomes clear that Surbiton will have two eye-catching crews, as they collected medals at the National Schools’ Regatta back in the Summer. Furthermore, previous members of the Surbiton senior squad have excited the national and international racing stage. I am sure that these rowers will be strong fighters in the battle for the win.
Wimbledon High School Boat Club
Hot on their heels will surely be the crew of Wimbledon High School Boat Club. This crew finished just behind the Surbiton crews at Kingston Head, which should mean that Saturday’s racing will leave mere inches between each of the competitors. Wimbledon similarly displayed talent at the National Schools’ Regatta, with a bronze medal and an A-final finish for both crews entered in the Junior 15 category. Similarly, the school represented the Thames region at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta back in April. These eight girls and their cox are undoubtedly capable of taking the top step at Quintin, but not without a tough wrestle with their rivals.
Godolphin & Latymer School Boat Club
In recent seasons, Godolphin & Latymer School Boat Club have impressed at various national and well-known events, such as the Henley Women’s Regatta where a Junior 16 crew made school history with a win in their event. For their current Junior 16 squad, they have demonstrated a successful display of rowing, with secure finishes at Wallingford Regatta and the National Schools’ Regatta. Godolphin are often seen around the previously mentioned clubs on the timing sheets; therefore, they will add to the pool of talent we expect to see this coming weekend.
Lady Eleanor Holles School Boat Club
After a set of solid results from the 2023/24 racing season and multiple strong finishes at Kingston Head against the same rivals, the Lady Eleanor Holles School Boat Club crews clearly deserve to be considered as potential winners at Quintin Head. This group of prospective rowers follow in the footsteps of previous GB Trialists and national champions, proving their commitment to the rigorous training, and their potential to deliver a theoretically winning row this weekend. Lady Eleanor Holles are certainly on my list of crews to watch, providing they perform to the standard of their previous rows.
Prediction
Reviewing the strengths of each crew, I believe that Surbiton High School Boat Club are able to come out on top, closely followed by their rivals Godolphin & Latymer School Boat Club, and then Wimbledon High School Boat Club completing the podium, with Lady Eleanor Holles School Boat Club just behind in fourth.
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