As we progress into the head racing season, with Hammersmith and Quintin now behind us, these crews will have found their rhythm and be ready to deliver strong performances at this next head race – building crucial momentum ahead of Schools’ Head of the River.
Radley College Boat Club
Leading the field, Radley will be eager to justify their position as the first crew off the start. After what was arguably a disappointing 13th-place finish in the open junior eights at Hammersmith Head, they will no doubt be looking for redemption, fuelled by a determination to prove themselves. However, their results at Quintin Head – placing an impressive 12th and 13th overall – demonstrate the depth of talent within their squad. This race presents an opportunity for them to show their true speed.
St Edward’s School Boat Club
Setting off second and fourth, the two Teddies’ crews will be in pursuit of Radley’s top boats. St Edward’s boasts a formidable programme, with their leading pair recently securing victory at the February GB trials. Training alongside such high-calibre athletes will undoubtedly strengthen the squad as a whole, and we can expect that power to be reflected in this eight’s performance.
Shiplake College Boat Club
Having claimed victory at Quintin Head in the open junior eights, Shiplake’s first crew has already set a high standard this season. They followed this up by finishing third overall at Hammersmith Head last weekend, three seconds back on St Paul’s School. The squad had a phenomenal run last year, finishing as runners-up to the mighty boys in black and white at Henley Royal Regatta. With momentum firmly on their side, there’s little doubt that their energy and drive will have filtered through to their other boats, setting them up for another strong showing in this race.
Prediction
With such strong crews lining up, this race is difficult to call, but my predictions are as follows:
- Shiplake College Boat Club
- Radley College Boat Club
- St Edward’s School Boat Club
With the Schools’ Head of the River fast approaching, it will be interesting to see which crew seizes the upper hand in the build-up.
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