This Friday marks the return of the most prestigious junior head race and the first out of three runs in the well-known ‘triple’, Schools’ Head of the River. As we near the end of head season, this 4.5 mile course between Chiswick and Putney is an exciting opportunity for schools and clubs to demonstrate the positive effects of the gruelling winter training block and to showcase their speed as we advance towards regatta season. There are 38 championship girls quads entered from across the UK, and with such high standards emerging from junior women’s sculling, it will be compelling to see which crew proves itself as the fastest in the country.
Shiplake College
Taking the win by over 9 seconds at SHORR 2022, Shiplake College looks to be one of the favourites for the win. Not only did their quad perform exceptionally well last season, with 2nd place at National Schools’ Regatta and a win at Henley Women’s Regatta, this momentum has clearly been carried into the 2022/2023 head season, evidenced by strong performances at GB U19 trials and other local head races. Whilst they were absent from Fours Head back in November limiting the knowledge of their speed on a national scale, they are tough competition and will be feeling confident with regards to a spot in the top three.
Marlow Rowing Club
Marlow is another club who have proven to have one of the most advanced and technical junior women’s squads in the country, following a win in the championship girls quads at National Schools’ Regatta last year and second place at Fours Head behind Henley (who have notably not entered a boat into the category). This leaves them looking to be one of the strongest crews racing on Friday, and therefore a possibility for the win.
Tideway Scullers School
Racing on their home stretch this week, Tideway Scullers are certainly significant competition when looking at boats for the top spot. With two quads entered and knowledge of strong individual talent in the junior squad, it should come as no surprise if they can produce good boat speed and come away with the fastest time. However, finishing nine seconds behind Marlow at Fours Head 2022, it will be exciting to observe how the squad has progressed over the winter months and see if they can make up this time over the same course.
Other notable mentions come from a plethora of talented programmes known to produce fast crews such as Wycliffe College, who are well known for racing an impressive quad last season, Kingston Grammar School, Hartpury College and Sir William Perkin’s School Rowing Club, who all raced competitively and successfully in 2022.
Predictions:
- Marlow Rowing Club
- Tideway Scullers School
- Shiplake College
- Wycliffe College
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