Schools’ Head is an approximately 6.5km race from Chiswick Bridge to just before Putney Bridge and is the pinnacle of the head season. This is one of the biggest events so far and so it will be interesting to see which crews will come out on top. The WJ16 8+ is a very competitive category with 16 crews racing including the likes of Henley RC, Surbiton High School, Lady Eleanor Holles School and Headington School.
Henley RC
This club has some strong athletes which was evident this time last year with a second place in the WJ15 8+ finishing 13 seconds after Latymer Upper School Boat Club. This progressed to a win at National Schools’ Regatta in the summer. These athletes are in the competition for the top places in this category this year after notable achievements at Wallingford Head of the River so it will be interesting to see whether this can be carried forward successfully.
Surbiton High School
The club has shown promise over the past years in this category with a 4th place in this event last year finishing only 5 seconds off third place. This was also reflected later in the year at National Schools’ where, although they were in the B final, by time they would have achieved a 4th place position. It will be interesting to see whether the experience from last year will aid them at this event.
Lady Eleanor Holles School
This now J16 squad had multiple achievements last year with a win at this event last year finishing in a time of 19:33.8. This success, however, declined to a 4th place position at National Schools’ Regatta. In addition, the results in the eight so far this year have not been as successful as they finished in 5th place at Wallingford Head of the River. It will be interesting to see the progress that they have made over the winter months in preparation for this event.
Headington School
This squad has some strong athletes which is noticeable through their successes last year. At National Schools’ Regatta the WJ15 4x- took 1st place in a very competitive A final. These athletes have now joined the J16 squad and so they have more experience with both steering and racing style. Both of these skills will be vital for this race as they will have to navigate through the difficult bends whilst maintaining their speed.
We expect to see the above clubs competing for the top places in this event but on the day of the race the result will be dependent on the steering and strength of the athletes in the conditions that they face.
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