It’s finally that time of year again. It’s one of the Big Three. It’s Schools’ Head! With 20 2nd VIII crews battling it out over 4.25 miles, it will no doubt be a legendary affair. The sheer quality of schoolboy rowing has risen not just amongst the top boats but has descended even further with what could be some very fast 2nd VIII crews.
Shiplake
We all know Shiplake is gonna fly out off the blocks and send it but the question will be can they send it the whole way yet another year. They will no doubt be gunning for a win in both Champ 8’s and 2nd 8’s. With mixed crew appearances at Quintin and with Hammersmith Head being cancelled, their speed in the 8 hasn’t been witnessed despite some decent individual results at trials. Either way, they will no doubt be looking for a consecutive win here.
Radley
With the influx of talent from last year, Radleys’ 2nd VIII will be very confident and very strong. Hopefully, they can remain in the top 3 this year and carry on their form over the last 2 years despite inconsistencies in the years prior to that. Will they be able to catch Shiplake this year at this stage of the season remains the question? It’s within reach but they are going to have to work for it and dig in for the whole course.
St Pauls
A boat club that needs no introduction on the Tideway. Having come third last year, they will be looking to replicate and do better. With a not a great result at Quintin, coming behind Radley by 11 seconds and losing to Shiplake mixed 8’s, the question that comes to mind is how much speed have they garnered since then. Similar to last year, they picked up speed after poor results at Quintin and Hammersmith to confidently secure 3rd at 2022 Schools Head. With home advantage and perhaps a better technical aspect to their racing, can they do the same here?
Eton
Strangely, a mysterious entity this year for the race. Speed is unknown. But who can ever count Eton out? Based on their first eight winning j18 at Quintin (barring Radley who were time only and St Pauls who raced open), we know the second eight will have some decent speed too. Could this be a year that Eton cracks out of placing in top 4 and outside top 3 again? A top 4 finish will be more likely but a top 3 will require Eton to power and fight their way through Shiplake, Radley and St Pauls. Perhaps a task too high for now but not impossible.
Kings and St Edwards
They came 4th and 6th last year respectively and will no doubt be in contention for top 5. Perhaps more of a building year this year for both these crews with average results at Quintin that represent nothing remarkable about them but who can say. Schoolboy rowing is one of the most unpredictable circuits ever and especially 2nd eights who most of the time are a little unrefined and raw in terms of rowing ability but will have the guts to fly down the track.
Predictions:
Very similar to last year with Shiplake to win it followed by Radley, St Pauls and Eton. But we could be in for some surprise results if one or two crews get into their groove and race smartly, not just with power.
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