Schools’ Head of the River 2018 – Junior 16 First Eights

With the merging of Champ Eights and First Eights at National Schools, this is one of the few chances for first eight crews to duke it out solely amongst themselves. The Tideway can be a challenging course, and more familiar for some than others. While conditions are forecasted as far from biblical, this ‘beautiful’ country’s weather doesn’t always play by the rules. Slightly more experienced oarsmen amongst them will be able to dig deep as they approach Chiswick Eyot. All that are racing will be pushed to their limits, with the crew in their sight a platform to push off. This category is a little harder to predict as lots of racing has been canceled recently, and the depth of rowers can greatly vary year to year. Hence, results from previous years may be completely turned on their heads

Bedford School

Bedford are the only school in this category to enter a second eight below this eight, suggesting enough depth to produce a competitive crew. This season, they have experimented with sculling, but based on the results from Hampton Head, the 4- fared better than the 4x they put out. Considering sculling is not their typical forte, this isn’t surprising. Nevertheless, a placing of 6^th in a competitive field at Hampton for the top eight is a good sign for next Monday. Out of the 10 crews entered, we may see a top 4 finish for this crew.

Norwich School

Norwich’s J16s don’t often disappoint in first categories. Last year, this cohort placed 2^nd on the shortened course, but even without the change in length, their crews are typically able of putting some champ eights under pressure. This year, a quad has been entered alongside the eight. My guess is this will be their top crew, and the eight will consist of the remaining rowers within the squad. Previously in the season, Norwich had enough depth to send outmatched eights. Sending a quad out could mean it is their new focus and they believe the eight has enough ability to succeed in this category. This makes things more interesting, but I still think they have a shot at cracking the top 4.

Emanuel

Better known for the performance of their girl’s squad, these are the only locals entered in this category. With the quad often being their top boat, the presence of an eight here suggests there’s been some competition for seats in the quad. Last year over the shortened course, this cohort came 11^th. This year, their experience of the full length will greatly aid steering and mental steadiness. However, there is little to suggest this is a very competitive crew. School’s Head will be a good experience for them, but I see them finished towards the bottom of the middle 4.

Much more like a 2^nd eight category, the level of the crews entered is rarely the same from year to year. The special thing about this category is the sense of promotion once you win it. Plenty of schools have used it as a benchmark for whether they are ready to compete against Champ Eights, and this may be seen in this season. For schools that just about have enough rowers to form a 1^st eight, togetherness must be deeply ingrained in their rowing. I’d say a lot of the crews are similar in levels, which makes for some interesting racing.

Good Luck to all Racing

3Speed

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