On Wednesday 20th of March, racing will return once more to the iconic 6.8 km Schools’ Head course. With the recent high tide, the race will be the fastest it has been in several years, meaning that the competition will be intense and exciting. The Women’s Junior 16 Championship Eight is always a popular category, and this year proves no different, with 13 entries from boat clubs all across the country.
Surbiton High School
A staple in junior women’s rowing, Surbiton is amongst the most successful programs in the country, with many Henley entries and GB athletes. Although it is hard to tell how much the crew may have changed since earlier events, Surbiton’s J16 squad has seen much success in the past, coming third at the National Schools’ Regatta, second at Quintin Head, second at Hammersmith Head, and third at Hampton Head most recently. Having won the event last year, and therefore leading out the pack, I am sure Surbiton will be looking for an impressive performance.
Henley Rowing Club
Another big name in junior rowing, Henley RC are renowned for their intensive training plan and national success. Having come second last year in the J15 eight at the National Schools’ Regatta, Henley have started their year well, with victories in the J16 W 4+ and the J16 W 4x at Reading Small Boats Head. Henley will definitely be looking at a podium finish, with their win at Quintin earlier in 2024 proving their Tideway capabilities.
Wallingford Rowing Club
Under the stewardship of Katie Greves, Wallingford managed a spectacular second place at Schools’ Head last year before going on to clinch gold at the National Schools’ Regatta, meaning that they will be keen to repeat those top performances. Their J16 squad came first in the J16 W 4-, defeating a quick Henley RC crew, and came second in the J16 W 4+ category, losing this time to Henley RC, both at Reading Small Boats Head. The club has strong pedigree, but their performance will depend on the amount of time they have had on the Tideway. A top three result is a real possibility for Wallingford RC.
Wimbledon High School Boat Club
Last year’s National Schools’ Regatta gold medalists in the J15 category will be coming into Schools’ Head with a healthy amount of confidence, having just won at Hampton Head. Coupled with the fact that the Tideway is their home stretch of river, I think that Wimbledon will be right up at the top of this roster, driven on by the indomitable Gillian Lindsay.
Predictions:
With such variable conditions lately, the winning crew will likely be the crew which has had the most training time on the Tideway. However, I think that either Wimbledon or Surbiton will take the gold on the day, with Henley close behind and Wallingford not far off the medal fight either.
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