With regatta season steadily approaching, we look to Schools’ Head of the River (SHORR) to round off an exciting head race calendar – one last look down the Championship course before moving back into six-lane racing. The Women’s Second Eights category is stacked with incredible talent from up and down the country, and it’s brilliant to see the depth of each of these squads.
Henley Rowing Club
A club that needs hardly any introduction, Henley are an institution of women’s rowing, consistently building incredibly strong squads that have had success both internationally and at home. This second eight crew will benefit from the same rigorous programme as their championship boat, and as such will likely be strong contenders for success in this category. Coming off a win in the 2023 race and a very impressive top 80 finish at Women’s Head of the River (WEHORR) this year, Henley will do everything to clinch the win in their division.
Headington School of Oxford Boat Club
It is impossible to discuss Henley without mentioning their longstanding rival – Headington. A force of schoolgirl rowing, Headington have gone from strength to strength this year. Beating Godolphin and Latymer BC’s first eight at WEHORR, Headington have made it clear that they want to leave a mark on this category and will be a strong contender for the win.
Marlow Rowing Club
Another Upper Thames stronghold, Marlow are always a crew to be reckoned with. After taking second place in this category last year, Marlow will want to push themselves to exceed the success of their predecessors. Of course, to enter the second 8+ category the club must also enter a first eight, but on top of this Marlow have entered a first quad. For any other club, we may worry they are spreading themselves too thin, but in my mind, there is no doubt that the Marlow programme will produce performances across the board.
Predictions
I am anticipating a tight race between Henley and Headington. While Henley will have the advantage of going off first and acting as a pacer for the group, Headington have shown that they are not afraid of close racing. If anyone can battle it out on the Tideway, I have full faith in their cox to navigate the best route through the melee. Marlow, I believe, will place a strong third, rounding off a very strong category of rowers.
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