On Wednesday 20th March the top second eights from around the country gather on the Tideway to race in the first of the two major races of the year for this group. In 2024, the talent is stronger than ever with a stacked category that should make for an interesting watch.
St Paul’s School Boat Club
St Paul’s School Boat Club are no stranger to success on the long and winding Tideway. Coached by Charles Bourne, this crew is packed talent that is indicative of a fine first eight to complement the entire squad. With five returners from last year’s silver medal crew at the National Schools’ Regatta, they are looking to decimate the field with a thriller on home water. Notable mentions go to the J17 stern pair of Milon Kailia and Arthur Hamill, two top athletes who have been selected for GB U19 Trials later this month. There is also J18 talent in the likes of Nathan Fairclough who returns to his six-seat and has had some impressive individual performances this year at Wallingford Long Distance Sculls. With the gold at the Schools’ Head having eluded St Paul’s School Boat Club for many years in the second eight category, could this be Bourne’s year?
Radley College Boat Club
It seems in recent years you cannot talk about St Paul’s School Boat Club without mentioning Radley College Boat Club. Coming off the back of a stunning gold medal at the National Schools’ Regatta in 2023, this year’s second eight will be looking to live up to the hype of yesteryear. With fewer returners than their Tideway rivals, they do have plenty of depth in their squad, sending two rowers to GB trials earlier in the season. This second eight have also been improving between races with impressive performances at the Head of the Nene and Quintin Head; I would not be surprised if Radley College Boat Club are fighting for the top spot.
Eton College Boat Club
The final crew to watch out for next week is the Eton College Boat Club. Having had a dominant start to this season in both sculling and sweep they are looking to continue their string of positive results. This relatively young crew is made up partly of the J16-winning crew at NSR last year. Although last year’s second eight failed to make the A-final at the National Schools’ Regatta, this young cohort could make all the difference, projecting the established rowing program back to winning ways.
Notable Mentions
It is hard to not mention Shiplake College Boat Club when talking about the Schools’ Head due to their impressive track record on the Tideway; they have taken each of the last three headships and remain a force to be reckoned with during the head season. Other notable Tideway schools such as King’s College School Boat Club could also create an upset.
Prediction
With their talent and depth in the squad, it is very much St Paul’s race to lose this coming Wednesday. However, with Radley pushing off them and Eton tracking closely, anything can happen as the crews sweep beyond Hammersmith Bridge. My prediction is:
- St Paul’s School Boat Club
- Radley College Boat Club
- Eton College Boat Club
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