With so many head races cancelled to date due to conditions on the Thames, it is good to see that racing can still happen. Some may subconsciously think that rowing is essentially limited to London and the Home Counties, so the Rutherford Head serves to remind us that rowing is thriving all around the UK. There are 11 entries in total, and 11 clubs or schools are racing
Yarm School Boat Club
Not always viewed as a top-of-the-tree rowing school, Yarm performed very well last season. Having not really competed at head races, including the Junior Sculling Head at Dorney, they outperformed expectations in the regatta season. A sixth-place in the B final at the National Schools’ Regatta was a high point, and Yarm were disappointed not to qualify for Henley. Despite this, their quality puts them as clear favourites.
George Watson’s College Boat Club
A school with some serious rowing pedigree who will be looking to lay down a marker. George Watson’s did not perform as well as they had wanted in racing last season. With little improvement throughout the season, the best they achieved was the fringes of the B final in races like the National Schools’ Regatta. However, that was last season, and things can very quickly change in the rowing world. It would be unwise to write this crew off altogether.
Tees Rowing Club
In Tees, we have one of the smaller clubs competing who will still harking back to successes from last season. In absolutely horrendous conditions at Strathclyde Park for the British Championships in July, Tees won the bronze medal. This was a massive achievement that put the club on the map, and sent out a statement for future races. One thing that will put them at an advantage against the other crews is their ability to navigate tricky waters, should the Tyne offer that up during the race.
Prediction:
It is very hard to look beyond Yarm School as the overall winners. As for second place, George Watson’s will pip Tees RC into third. However, other clubs to look out for include Tyne Amateur Rowing Club, who will enjoy the luxury of rowing on home water.
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