Schools’ Head of the River 2020 – J16 4x Preview

A note from the Commissioning Editor

Yet again, as it has been with so many times with articles and races this season, I am obliged to write a disclaimer above the article. The cancellation of School’s Head, like with all events that have not take place, will be a disappointment to everyone. This one is more significant, with weather finally being on our side, the community thought we would finally get some good racing and start to put together a season, Coronavirus had other ideas. Anyway, here is the J16 4x preview as it would have been if School’s Head happened.

At this time of year, I would often write about reaching the ‘pinnacle’ of the head season, however with 2020 apparently being the year of cancellations, it feels like the season had been taken away from us before it had even begun. Between February 8^th and March 8^th, to my knowledge, there were four open events, and this was before COVID-19 caused any problems to the United Kingdom, which is prime racing time in preparation for the Tideway heads, meaning no crews have really had much opportunity to test themselves against others in recent memory.

If the head goes ahead, as it is looking to at the moment, even with the COVID-19 and yellow flag fears, eleven crews will be racing, nine of whom faced up against each other at Hampton Head, at the beginning of February. This can give us a general gist of what will happen, although with approximately 7 weeks between then and racing, and noting the quick development at J16 level, anything could feasibly happen.

The order at Hampton was as follows:

Henley RC – 3^rd

A club on the rise for Junior Men’s sculling, after some success for the Women for a few years, which culminated in a Fawley final at Henley for the club. This is also a crew on the up, after placing in the C final in J15 4x+ at National Schools, to be beating crews convincingly is a big turn around for this crew, and thus they should have a good crack at the win.

Kingston RC – 4^th

After losing to Henley by about a second at Hampton, they will be looking to put things right. At National Schools, Kingston placed 1^st and 6^th in J15 4’s, showing that they have a depth in their squad, as well as quality, and will be chasing Henley hard.

Walton RC – 6^th  

Just down the road from Kingston, Walton will feel they have a good chance on the day. Although these athletes did not compete at National Schools Regatta, ampton has shown they do have speed, and with the programme at Walton developing good crews over the years – especially quads over the last couple, this has potential to be fast.

Marlow RC – 7^th

Strangely, Marlow starting quite a bit lower than the three clubs aforementioned are, after their proximity to the crews at Hampton, however this could be due to a low CRI due to not racing at National Schools, however this is just purely conjecture. Like Henley, at junior level Marlow have been traditionally stronger on the JW side, however, Marlow are yet to face this boom, but there are promising signs from this crew.

Molesey BC-9^th

A mid-tier performance from Molesey at Hampton, reflecting the C final finish at NSR last year. There is promise for this crew in the future, as they are in a British Rowing High Performance club, this is definitely a crew for the future.

Westminster School BC- 10^th

Not only the first school, but also the first Tideway based boat here. Strangely, this is the only J16 boat sent by Westminster, however after a poor NSR by the J15 squad last year, this could have prompted a smaller squad size. I expect Westminster to rise up the ranking a fair bit, purely due to a home advantage, on a river where centimetres cost you seconds.

Also at Hampton Head was Whitgift School, Kew House School, and Fulham Reach BC, finishing 11^th, 12^th and 14^th respectively. In a field of 17, these are low positions, and even with 7 weeks off, it is unrealistic to expect such major changes to occur, hence why they will not feature in this list.

The only two crews at SHORR but not at Hampton Head are Dulwich College and Wycliffe Junior Rowing Club. This is the only J16 boat from Dulwich, which could either be a split between this boat and the School Second Eight, or just selecting top athletes, after a 18^th place finish last year at Nat schools, leading me to believe that Dulwich will not be in contention, even with a home advantage. The only race I could see Wycliffe race at was Wycliffe head, where they placed second. After no showing at NSR, it is very had to feasibly put a well-judged outcome on this boat.

In conclusion, if this race does go ahead – which looks even more unlikely after the cancellation of both the boat race and HORR – I expect one of Walton, Henley or Kingston to come away with the win. Best of luck to all crews, and to all competitors, coaches and parents – stay safe!

StrokeOnBowside

About The Author

StrokeOnBowside

See author's posts