With less than three months between Schools’ Head and National Schools Regatta (two out of what are known as the big three), we are clearly entering the sharp end of the school rowing season. Schools’ Head is where crews with high ambitions start to see if their winter training has paid off and where they sit in comparison to their competition.
Everyone knows that along with being the most prestigious of all head races for school crews, Schools’ Head is amongst the most challenging. Finishing at the Westminster Boathouse flag at Putney Embankment and set over 4.5 miles of the infamous Championship course, there is plenty of time for drama to occur. With its bridges, turns, and long straights, steering a good line plays as much of a role as good oarsmanship. This often, but not always (as seen from past results), gives a big home advantage to the three schools based along the Tideway, any of whom are more than capable of putting in a shift and pulling off a very welcome result.
St Paul’s
The first of the three Tideway schools, and a school that hardly needs an advantage in this race is St Paul’s. The J16s from St Paul’s are clearly impressive, having won the same event last year at J15. On top of being reigning champions, they only finished a second behind their schoolmates in the year above at NSR, making them a crew to watch. But it’s easy to fall short of high expectations, especially with the lack of racing experience they’ve had this year.
Latymer Upper School
With their boathouse also on the Tideway, Latymer is another school that will definitely feel as though they are on home turf. Although their boat club can create great crews, like their J16s last year, it is often a bit hit-and-miss. With their J15’s somewhat disappointing showing at Schools’ Head, coupled with not making the A Final at NSR last year, they don’t seem to be strong favourites at this event. However, as the old saying goes, losers train harder, and it will be interesting to see if they can retain their J16 status from last year.
Westminster
As the third of the Tideway schools, not only are Westminster on familiar waters, but the finish line is at their boathouse, which will guarantee a strong ending. Due to their middle-of-the-pack result at Quintin Head in late January, also on the Tideway, they will be eager to prove that they are still serious contenders in the J16 category. And with a possible crosswind on the final straight, it would be no surprise to see them lay down a big finish, which could see them steal at least two or three places from their less experienced competition.
Eton
Speaking of the recent Quintin Head, Eton’s J16 crew will be raring to go due to their win. However, as demonstrated by the Eton J16 crew’s results at Hammersmith and School’s Head last year, it is hard to maintain a winning streak during such a prestigious event. Furthermore, Eton College is used to the flat waters of Dorney Lake, having little experience with tidal conditions, but it is clear to see that the Eton coaches are trying to build up their confidence on choppier and more unpredictable waters with their recent trips to Radley and Reading University Head.
Other Entries
Other non-Tideway schools who I expect to do well are King’s College, who came 4th at Quintin, St Edward’s School, who came 2nd at Reading University Head, and Radley College, who have been struggling to keep up their strong form from last year (second place finishes in both Schools Head and NSR), but who must be itching to rediscover their form.
Predictions
With their recent strength, reigning champion status, and their home water advantage, I feel it’s unlikely that St Pauls won’t be walking away with the win on Friday. Following St Paul’s, it will be a tight battle between Radley and Eton, but I see Radley taking second. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of the crews mentioned fighting for a podium finish.
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