Amidst the echoes of countless cancellations throughout the 2024 head season, the women’s championship J15 eights category emerges as a beacon of excitement at the upcoming Schools’ Head of the River. Defying setbacks and disruptions in the wake of a wet winter, eight resolute crews – including a notable international entry – now stand poised on the precipice of the Tideway’s challenging 6.8 km stretch. As victory hangs on the slim margins between these extremely proficient crews, this should be a race that is sure to be both hard fought and electrifying to witness.
Henley Rowing Club
Henley Rowing Club, a dominant force in junior women’s rowing and a perennial crowd favourite, have a promising WJ15 8+ crew ready for the forthcoming Schools’ Head and its rigorous 6.8km stretch. Next Wednesday’s course adds an extra two kilometres to the challenge after a triumphant 4.5 km victory at Quintin Head in January, where they recorded an impressive time of 13:32.6. To ensure victory once again, it is paramount that this Henley crew maintains their pace over the increased distance. This endurance test is no small feat, but given their impressive legacy of results at this level, the club is well-positioned to overcome the challenge and come out in a leading position.
Surbiton High School Boat Club
After showcasing remarkable performances at the highly-acclaimed Hampton Head earlier this February, Surbiton High School BC are poised to show their hand on the biggest stage of all. Following their laudable 8:52.6 finish on the three-kilometre course at Hampton, the school’s first eight (SBT – SHAW) secured an impressive tie for second place with Sir William Perkins. Despite facing a cancellation at Hammersmith Head, the anticipation amongst the crew will be palpable; the disappointment of a postponed race only intensifies the eagerness of the team members who have been patiently waiting to showcase their skills once again.
Enniskillen Royal Boat Club, Ireland
Enniskillen Royal Boat Club, the Irish powerhouse, are set to make waves on the Tideway as they journey down to compete in this category. Having recently showcased their abilities at their home event (Erne Head of the River, which spans a challenging six kilometre course renowned for its treacherous bends and unpredictable weather conditions) Enniskillen have proven their fortitude in demanding race conditions by securing gold in the WJ15 8+x category. It is also notable to mention that whilst Enniskillen have proven themselves capable in the octuple, they also achieved well at the Newry Head of the River (five km) in the WJ16 8+ category where they clinched gold with an incredible two-minute lead on the other crew in their category. Though this may be new territory for this Irish outfit, the Enniskillen girls are definitely a crew to watch if they manage to bring their tenacity to the iconic Tideway course.
Notable Mentions
With unfinished business on their hands after their recent aforementioned tie at Hampton Head, the Sir William Perkins WJ15 8+ girls promise much. Likewise, Lady Eleanor Holles Boat Club also appeared at Hampton Head, claiming third and missing the front-runners by a mere two seconds. With such thin margins between them, this Lady Eleanor eight will surely have the stakes necessary to further motivate them for gold.
It is interesting to note that the majority of the crews racing this Wednesday also competed in the WJ14 eight category at the National Schools’ Regatta of 2023. In this event it was Enniskillen who came out on top, followed by Surbiton, Henley and Putney High School Boat Club coming in seventh. Putney’s WJ15 8+ also raced at Hampton Head and came sixth with a 13-second gap separating them from those podium positions. As such, Putney are a potential contender and perhaps Wednesday’s event will allow them to cut down on those seconds and close the gap on the field.
Predictions
With the majority of crews having already tested their mettle against each other at the 2023 National Schools’ Regatta, the forthcoming race promises to be a riveting spectacle. Dynamics are bound to shift, and positions are never secure in the heat of battle. With all this being said, I think that Surbiton High School Boat Club have huge potential to come out on top, followed closely by Henley Rowing Club, Sir William Perkins School Rowing Club and – if they manage to adapt to the new environments of the Tideway – Enniskillen Royal Boat Club.
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