As regatta season steadily approaches, junior crews take the Tideway for the final head race of the season. The Tideway provides a unique set of challenges for the crews to battle with indicating that Schools’ Head will be drama filled race.
Henley RC
While not based on the Tideway, the formidable Henley crew have had an impressive set of results on the river. Crossing the line as the first ‘B’ crew in the Champ 8s category at Women’s Head, Henley have set an impressive precedent that they will hope to keep up coming into the race. In addition, Henley have a tradition of locking out both the Champ 8s and Second 8s category so it is likely to continue through the 2023 season.
Kings School Chester
Setting off second in the start order is Kings School Chester. The boat club, founded in 1883, has enjoyed a long tradition as a strong rowing school and are looking to get back on top. While they have not attended many races this season, it will be exciting to see how they will perform on the ever-changing conditions of the Tideway.
Tideway Scullers
Third in the line up is the home favourite Tideway Scullers. With huge amounts of Tideway experience, they are sure to put up a strong fight against Henley. Scullers’ squad runs deep meaning that their second boat is likely to be very strong. Furthermore, with the GB junior team coach Rhona McCallum running the programme, the girls are sure to be conditioned to their finest form.
Prediction
Overall, I am expecting a decisive Henley win. With so much experience in this crew, I believe that they will utilise their training to the maximum and finish the Head Season on a high. Tideway Scullers should be able to cinch the second place as their familiarity with the river will help cut some time off their race, however, the Tideway is notoriously unpredictable and it will all come down to conditions on the day .
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